Kyleigh Macejkovic The density of
metal, mercury, is 13.546 gm/cm^3 or, 13,546 kg/m^3. The density of water is much less, in
comparison, and is only 1000 kg/m^3. That is, mercury is about 13.5 times heavier than water and
hence a specific gravity of 13.546. Interestingly, this density is one of the reasons why we use
mercury in the barometers (devices used for measuring pressure) and not water. The atmospheric
pressure is about 760 mm of mercury. Imagine if we used water in place of mercury, we would
require a column about 13.5 times taller (or about 10.25 meters in length). Mercury is the only
metal which is in liquid state at room temperature and is commonly used in the thermometers for
measuring temperature. Mercury is also toxic to various life-forms and its use is carefully
regulated. Hope this helps.]]>
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