mercury samples

[rosiegbh]

Hi, a question about Mercury. I need a small sample of mercury for Year 12 physics and would like to be able to buy it sealed in a clear glass container so they can observe the qualities of the metal but not actually touch it. Serrata have 500gms but only in an amber bottle. Not really suitable. Plus very expensive! Does anyone know where I could get some

The only amount we had before I came was a tiny bit when one of the thermometers broke and a teacher put it into a plastic petri dish and sealed it (not very successful).

Rosemary

[RosalieM]

You could transfer it to a clear glass jar and seal it. It is very expensive wherever you get it from so maybe see if another school near you has more than they want/need.

[sunray18]

A few ideas.. contact your nearest University and ask if they have any mercury. Newcastle Uni used to take it and clean it and store it.. For a while when I worked in research there I used to do ASV in a previous life [Anodic Stripping Voltametry] and I used to have buckets of the stuff....
2nd idea - have you got, can get, any mercury thermometers? break a few - carefully- and use the mercury from that.
I have small amounts of mercury in plastic specimen jars, with the lid glued shut - using plumbers glue - for students to look at.
I also have 2 small clear plastic bottles - in one I have mercury [sealed as before] and in the other the same quantity of water .. so students can hold them and experience the difference in weight..
Cheers

[smiley]

Depends where you are in NSW, but mines often have it, if you lived somewhere remote.

[noona]

Hi
I also have some
So let me know if you are near by and I will give you some
I have a small test tube with some in so the kids can see it

[smeee]

Yesterday I bought a "mercury switch" from Jaycar.
It looks like an led and mercury is sealed inside safely.
Yr 11 Chemistry class is using it to see whether mercury conducts electricity.
It will only work when mercury is at one end ( to form a circuit )
Cost $2.75 and can be used over and over. Cheap enough to buy a class set.

[Narelle01]

must be up to the same point of the program - i have been asked for the same thing....
Noona i think i will be dropping by soon. (again!!)

[noona]

anytime you can come visit

[smiley]

Hey Margaret,

I want one of those! Jaycar eh? Coolies, as the kids say.