Does mercury conduct electricity?

The element mercury conducts electricity. It can be used to construct position dependent switches that are silent. Manufacturers also use mercury in fluorescent lights and advertising signs.

Mercury is a metal that exists as a liquid at room temperature. It derives its chemical symbol, Hg, from the Greek word "hydrargyrum," which means "liquid silver."

Mercury produces light in a florescent lamp when electricity passes through the element's vapor, creating short-wave ultraviolet light and causing the phosphor in the lamp to fluoresce. While mercury is a good conductor of electricity, it is also highly toxic. Mercury that enters the body can accumulate over time and potentially result in severe illness or death.