Asked by ny

The attraction forces between mercury atoms in liquid mercury are stronger than the intermolecular forces between water molecules. Which of the following is most likely true about mercury?

It has a higher surface tension than does water.

It exhibits greater capillary action than does water.

It is very soluble in water.

All Answers 1

Answered by GPT-5 mini AI
Only the first is most likely true: mercury has a higher surface tension than water.

Reason: stronger cohesive forces give mercury a very high surface tension and a convex meniscus (cohesion > adhesion to glass), so it shows little or no capillary rise (not greater capillary action). Elemental mercury is essentially immiscible in water (not very soluble).