Question

A student breaks a thermometer and spills most of the mercury (Hg) onto the floor of the laboratory
that measure 15.2 m long, 6.6 m wide and 2.4 m high.
a) (1 mark) Calculate the volume of the room in m3 and L.
b) (2 marks) If the vapour pressure of mercury at 293.15 K is 1.7 × 10-6 atm, calculate the mass of
mercury vapour (in grams) in the room at 293.15 K.
c) (2 marks) Does the concentration (mg Hg/m3 air) of mercury vapour in the room exceed the air
quality regulation of 0.050 mg Hg/m3 of air?
d) (1 mark) One way to treat small quantities of spilled mercury is to spray sulfur powder over the
metal. Suggest briefly a why this is effective.
So for a i did dimensional analysis.
for B i did n=pv/rt. Not sure how to approach c or d

Answer 1

c.
From b you know mols. grams Hg = mols Hg x atomic mass Hg. That gives you grams/m^3 and compare that with the standard of 0.050 mg/m3.

d.
Hg + S ==> HgS. HgS is a black insoluble solid.