How does the name 'mercury' provide a clue to one of the element's defining characteristics?

• A. It suggests that mercury is highly reactive with oxygen, forming mercuric oxide.
• B. It indicates that mercury is a noble gas, named after the planet Mercury.
• C. It implies that mercury is a solid metal with a silvery appearance.
• D. It refers to the element's liquid state at room temperature, similar to the swift-moving Roman god Mercury.

Answer: (D)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand that the name 'mercury' is derived from the Roman god Mercury, who was known for his speed and mobility.
2. Recognize that this naming is a clue to the element's unique physical property among metals: it is liquid at room temperature.
3. Recall that most metals are solid at room temperature, but mercury is an exception, existing as a silvery liquid.
4. Connect the idea of the swift-moving god Mercury to the fluid, mobile nature of the element mercury in its liquid state.
5. Conclude that the name 'mercury' hints at the element's defining characteristic of being a liquid metal at room temperature.