Atomic Number
80
Element 80
Mercury (Hg)
Mercury is a chemical element with symbol Hg and atomic number 80. It is commonly known as quicksilver and was formerly named hydrargyrum. A heavy, silvery d-block element, mercury is the only metallic element that is liquid at standard conditions for temperature and pressure.
Atomic Mass
200.59 u
Category
Transition Metal
Period
6
Group
Group 12: zinc group
Phase
liquid
Density
13.534 g/cm3
Electron Shells
2, 8, 18, 32, 18, 2
Atomic Structure
Protons: 80. Electrons: 80. Neutrons: Varies by isotope.
Electron configuration: 1s² 2s² 2p⁶ 3s² 3p⁶ 4s² 3d¹⁰ 4p⁶ 5s² 4d¹⁰ 5p⁶ 6s² 4f¹⁴ 5d¹⁰
Why Mercury Matters
Mercury helps connect atomic number 80, transition metal behavior, period 6 trends, and electron shell structure. Its liquid phase, atomic mass of 200.59 u, and electron configuration 1s² 2s² 2p⁶ 3s² 3p⁶ 4s² 3d¹⁰ 4p⁶ 5s² 4d¹⁰ 5p⁶ 6s² 4f¹⁴ 5d¹⁰ make it useful for comparing bonding patterns across the periodic table.
Discovery and Occurrence
Mercury was discovered Unknown. Mercury is a chemical element with symbol Hg and atomic number 80. It is commonly known as quicksilver and was formerly named hydrargyrum. A heavy, silvery d-block element, mercury is the only metallic element that is liquid at standard conditions for temperature and pressure.
Safety and Handling Context
Mercury is presented here for learning and comparison. Pure elements and laboratory compounds can have hazards that depend on dose, form, and setting.
Related Elements
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the atomic number of Mercury?
- Mercury has atomic number 80, which means a neutral atom has 80 protons and 80 electrons.
- What is the chemical symbol for Mercury?
- The chemical symbol for Mercury is Hg.
- What category is Mercury in?
- Mercury is classified as a transition metal and sits in period 6 of the periodic table.
Explore Mercury in 3D
Use the interactive table above to rotate atomic models, compare periodic trends, and move from Mercury to neighboring elements without losing your place.