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erickalle said:It’s probably me but I don’t understand this sentence.
You have stated (#28) that on average the mercury ions are neutral. That still leaves a non neutral net charge per atom because of the –ve electron. Are you saying that the electrons are on average neutral as well?
It's my turn to say that I don't understand what you are saying.
The Hg liquid is ELECTRICALLY NEUTRAL. You could FREEZE the Hg and turn it into a solid and it will behave the same way. A liquid metal is STILL a metal (by definition!) and the electrons are still as mobile. There's always the same number of electrons in the Hg liquid as necessary to keep it electrically neutral... just like a solid metal!
Now is that any clearer?
Zz.