Question

During alloy formation if one of the metal is Hg (Mercury), then the alloy is called as:

• A. Galvanized alloy
• B. Amalgam
• C. Bronze
• D. Microlam

Hint:

An alloy of Mercury (\(Hg\)) = Amalgam.
Nearly all metals can form amalgams with mercury, with a few notable exceptions like iron (\(Fe\)), platinum (\(Pt\)), tungsten (\(W\)), and tantalum (\(Ta\)). This is why mercury is stored in iron containers.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

Step 1: Understanding the Question:
The question asks for the specific metallurgical term used to describe an alloy in which mercury (\(Hg\)) is one of the component metals.

Step 2: Key Formula or Approach:
An alloy is a homogeneous mixture of two or more metals, or a metal and a non-metal. Alloys of mercury have a unique historical and chemical designation.

Step 3: Detailed Explanation:

• Mercury is a unique transition metal because it is liquid at standard room temperature.

• It can easily dissolve many other metals (like silver, gold, tin, sodium, zinc) to form solid or semi-solid alloys.

• Any alloy containing mercury as a primary component is scientifically referred to as an amalgam.
- Examples include sodium amalgam (\(Na\text{-}Hg\)), which is used as a reducing agent in organic chemistry, and dental amalgam (a mixture of mercury with silver, tin, and copper), which has been widely used for filling tooth cavities.

• Let us review the other options:
- (A) Galvanized alloy: Galvanization is the process of coating iron or steel with a protective layer of zinc, not an alloy of mercury.
- (C) Bronze: This is an alloy composed primarily of copper and tin (\(Cu + Sn\)).
- (D) Microlam: This is a brand name for structural laminated wood products, completely unrelated to metallurgy.


Step 4: Final Answer:
If one of the metals is mercury, the alloy is called an amalgam.