What is the correct charge associated with mercury (Hg2)?

What is the correct charge associated with mercury (Hg2)?

• A. -1
• B. +1
• C. +2
• D. 0

Answer: (C)

Mercury (Hg) can exist in different oxidation states, with the most common being +1 and +2. When considering the compound Hg2, it's important to note that it represents the dimeric form of mercury, where two mercury atoms are bonded together, and they collectively exhibit a +2 charge. In this case, the +2 charge can be attributed to the fact that each mercury atom in the dimeric species contributes to a total charge of +2. This means the compound can be understood as having two Hg+ ions (each with a +1 charge) that combine to form the dimer, which is effectively a single entity carrying a +2 charge overall. The mercury ion in the +1 oxidation state can combine to form a stable unit of Hg2^2+, where the two mercury atoms share the positive charge. This rationale clarifies that the correct charge associated with the dimeric form of mercury (Hg2) is indeed +2, making it the accurate response in this case.

Mercury (Hg) can exist in different oxidation states, with the most common being +1 and +2. When considering the compound Hg2, it's important to note that it represents the dimeric form of mercury, where two mercury atoms are bonded together, and they collectively exhibit a +2 charge.

In this case, the +2 charge can be attributed to the fact that each mercury atom in the dimeric species contributes to a total charge of +2. This means the compound can be understood as having two Hg+ ions (each with a +1 charge) that combine to form the dimer, which is effectively a single entity carrying a +2 charge overall. The mercury ion in the +1 oxidation state can combine to form a stable unit of Hg2^2+, where the two mercury atoms share the positive charge.

This rationale clarifies that the correct charge associated with the dimeric form of mercury (Hg2) is indeed +2, making it the accurate response in this case.