Which of these elements is a liquid at room temperature?
-
A
He
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B
Ag
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C
Hg
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D
Zn
Hg (Mercury) because it is the only element among the options that is a liquid at room temperature
- A. He (Helium): Helium is a gas at room temperature. It is a noble gas and exists as a gas under normal conditions, so it is not a liquid at room temperature.
- B. Ag (Silver): Silver is a solid at room temperature. It is a metal with a melting point of 961.8°C, far higher than room temperature, making it a solid under normal conditions.
- C. Hg (Mercury): Mercury is the only metal that is liquid at room temperature. Its melting point is -38.83°C, which is well below room temperature, allowing it to remain in liquid form at standard conditions.
- D. Zn (Zinc): Zinc is a solid at room temperature. Its melting point is 419.5°C, so it remains solid under typical conditions.
Conclusion:
The correct answer is C.. Unlike most metals, mercury remains in liquid form due to its low melting point, which allows it to be liquid at standard room temperatures.

Topic Flashcards
Click to FlipThe only metallic element found in a liquid state under standard laboratory conditions.
Mercury (Hg).
This element, a fuming red-brown liquid, is the other common element found in a liquid state at room temperature.
Bromine (Br).
The key physical property (with a value of -38.83°C) that explains why mercury is liquid at 25°C.
Its very low melting point.
While solid at room temperature, this metal melts in your hand (melting point 29.76°C).
Gallium (Ga).
The common use for the liquid metal Hg that takes advantage of its uniform thermal expansion.
Old thermometers and barometers.