MDCAT Chemistry MCQ #805

What explains the lower melting point of mercury compared to other Group 12 metals?

MDCAT Chemistry MCQ #805

  1. Question 1

    Q1. What explains the lower melting point of mercury compared to other Group 12 metals?

    • A) Weak metallic bonding
    • B) Fully filled d-subshell
    • C) Higher ionization energy
    • D) Anomalous electron configuration

    Answer: Fully filled d-subshell

    Explanation: Mercury's filled 5d¹⁰ subshell reduces metallic bonding strength. Option A is a consequence, not the cause.