Register - Log In


FunTrivia Homepage


  • New Questions

  • Unanswered


  • Post a Question

    • Goto Qn #




    Archives

    Why is the chemical symbol for mercury "Hg"?

    Question #125637. Asked by Jordanar18. (Apr 05 12 4:36 PM)


    drewh2os

    		Hg is the modern chemical symbol for mercury. It comes from hydrargyrum, a Latinized form of the Greek word "hydrargyros", which is a compound word meaning "water-silver" (hydr- = water, argyros = silver) - since it is liquid like water and shiny like silver. The element was named after the Roman god Mercury, known for speed and mobility.

    http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mercury_(element)

    Apr 05 12, 4:41 PM
    doublemm

    		Mercury reminded people of liquid silver and so it was named hydrargyrum (hydr, meaning water and argyros meaning silver).

    http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mercury_%28element%29

    Apr 05 12, 4:41 PM

    Find something useful here? Please help us spread the word about FunTrivia. Recommend this page below!


    Sign up to see all responses!

    Create a Free ID instantly to see all recent responses, post your own follow-ups or questions, and access over 1,000,000 trivia questions!

    Choose a User Name:
    Your Email Address:
    Choose a Password:

    I agree by the terms outlined in FunTrivia's Conditions of Use




    Other Similar Questions & Answers


    Despite being named after something that it doesn't contain, its chemical contents have been named for a latin word which claims it resembles something else, hence the chemical symbol it bears today. What everyday 'classroom' item is this, and how are sheep involved?

    What is the chemical symbol for the Nitrite ion?

    What is the chemical symbol for Gold?

    Suggested Related FunTrivia Quizzes - 90,000 currently online

    1 Mercury
    The element mercury.
    		Specific Elements Average
    5 Q
    TonyTheDad
    Oct 21 01
    2145 plays
    2 Roy and HG
    The Road to Commercial Success ... Roy and HG found near-international fame as variety and talk show presenters on their 'down under' televisual coverage of the Sydney Olympics in Sydney. Have a go at these quizzical yorkers dating from their early years
    		Australian Celebrities Difficult
    5 Q
    quacker
    Dec 04 01
    888 plays
    3 The Mercury 7 Astronauts
    America's first manned space program was Project Mercury. Seven pilots were selected to participate in what was, at the time, the most dangerous enterprise ever known to man. Let's see what you know about these seven men and the Mercury Program.
    		Man in Space Average
    15 Q
    Misregistered
    Jun 09 02
    2619 plays




    "Ask FunTrivia" is for entertainment purposes only, and answers offered are unverified and unchecked by FunTrivia. We cannot guarantee the accuracy or veracity of ANY statement posted. Feel free to post an updated response if you feel that an answer is inadequate or incorrect. Please thoroughly research items where accuracy is important to you using multiple reliable sources. By accessing our website, you agree to be bound by our terms of service.