What type of meniscus does mercury (Hg) exhibit?

Mercury exhibits an inverted meniscus due to its unique physical properties. Unlike many other liquids that tend to adhere to the surface of the container (creating a concave meniscus), mercury has a high surface tension and a strong cohesive force among its molecules. This cohesive force causes mercury to pull away from the edges of the container, resulting in a meniscus that curves downward rather than upward.

This behavior is significant in laboratory settings, particularly when measuring volumes of mercury in various types of glassware, because it affects accuracy in readings. Understanding that mercury's meniscus is inverted allows for proper measurement techniques, ensuring that analysts can accurately determine the volume of mercury being used in experiments and applications.