Which of the following elements is liquid at room temperature?

Mercury is the element that is liquid at room temperature. Its unique properties stem from its atomic structure and the metallic bonding found in metals. Mercury is distinct among metals because its melting point is lower than room temperature, approximately -38.83 degrees Celsius (-37.89 degrees Fahrenheit), which allows it to exist as a liquid under normal conditions that we experience in daily life.

Iron, gold, and aluminum are all solid at room temperature due to their higher melting points. Iron melts at about 1538 degrees Celsius (2800 degrees Fahrenheit), gold at around 1064 degrees Celsius (1947 degrees Fahrenheit), and aluminum at approximately 660 degrees Celsius (1220 degrees Fahrenheit). Since mercury has a much lower melting point compared to these metals, it remains liquid, making it a fascinating example of a metal that defies typical expectations.