MDCAT Chemistry MCQ #839

A student notes that mercury is liquid at room temperature. What atomic structure feature explains this anomaly?

MDCAT Chemistry MCQ #839

  1. Question 1

    Q1. A student notes that mercury is liquid at room temperature. What atomic structure feature explains this anomaly?

    • A) High atomic radius
    • B) Weak metallic bonding
    • C) Fully filled d-orbitals
    • D) Low electron affinity

    Answer: Weak metallic bonding

    Explanation: Mercury's filled 5d and 6s orbitals reduce metallic bonding strength. Atomic radius and electron affinity are irrelevant.