/sci/ - Science & Math

>>8960061
mercury is liquid at RT but the 2 adjacent to it are not.

why? the valence 6s2 s-orbital electrons exhibit relativistic contraction, preventing them from forming strong intermolecular bonds.

the nucleus of mercury is large, and the valence electrons are poorly screened, feeling a larger charge from the nucleus. As a result, the electrons have to travel faster to prevent them from spiraling into the nucleus. They move up to 58% of the speed of light, which increases their mass significantly. Heavier electrons are attracted more to the nucleus than lighter ones, angular momentum causes them to move closer to the nucleus. As a result, the atom's radius shrinks and the valence electrons end up spending more time closer to the nucleus, making them less available for bonding other mercury atoms.

the reason why the electrons speed up rather than simply fall into the nucleus is because the energy levels are quantized, they are forbidden from doing so.

why are they forbidden? cause god most likely.