What is the Difference Between Gallium and Mercury?
🆚 Go to Comparative Table 🆚Gallium and mercury are two unique chemical elements that have some similarities and differences. Here are the key points:
- Melting Point: Gallium easily melts on a human hand, as its melting temperature is well below body temperature. Mercury is already a liquid at room temperature.
- Density: The key difference between gallium and mercury is their density. Gallium has a very low density compared to mercury.
- Solid State: Pure gallium should be a solid at room temperature, even when put in a fridge for a while. In contrast, mercury only turns solid at -37°C, which is colder than what most freezers can achieve.
- Toxicity: Mercury is highly toxic, releasing vapors that can damage the central nervous system, brain, kidney, and lungs. Gallium, on the other hand, is relatively safe because it is not volatile.
- Cost: Gallium is roughly six times more expensive than mercury, with a price of $317 per kilogram.
Both elements have interesting properties and can be used for various purposes, such as conducting experiments in a laboratory setting. However, it is essential to handle them with caution due to their potential risks.
On this pageWhat is the Difference Between Gallium and Mercury? Comparative Table: Gallium vs Mercury
Comparative Table: Gallium vs Mercury
Here is a table comparing the differences between gallium and mercury:
Property | Gallium | Mercury |
---|---|---|
Symbol | Ga | Hg |
Atomic Number | 31 | 80 |
Melting Point | 29.76°C | -38.83°C |
Boiling Point | 2204°C | 356.7°C |
Density | Very low (1/4 of mercury's density) | High (13.5 times greater than gallium's density) |
State at Room Temperature | Solid | Liquid |
Type of Metal | Post-transition | Transition |
Ionization Energy | Higher than mercury | Lower than gallium |
Gallium and mercury are both metals with relatively low melting points, making them dense liquids at room temperature. However, the main difference between the two is that gallium has a very low density compared to mercury. Additionally, gallium is a post-transition metal, while mercury is a transition metal.
Read more:
- Bromine vs Mercury
- Silicon vs Gallium-Arsenide
- Ethylmercury vs Methylmercury
- Mercuric vs Mercurous
- Beryllium vs Magnesium
- Semiconductor vs Metal
- Mercury Cell vs Diaphragm Cell
- Halogens vs Halides
- Gold vs Silver
- Halogen vs Xenon
- Halogen vs Metal Halide
- Hydrogen vs Helium
- Helium vs Oxygen
- Aluminum vs Magnesium
- Beryllium vs Aluminium
- Metals vs Metalloids
- Alcohol vs Mercury Thermometers
- Selenium vs Tellurium
- Iron vs Aluminum