The so-called liquid metals are fascinating because of their behavior and some of their properties. They all deserve to be treated with respect and handled responsibly, but mercury sits a few steps above the rest. Even so, some YouTubers don't hesitate to take the risk, and that brings us to Cody's Lab channel. What did he do? He placed a 50-kilogram anvil in a tank full of mercury so it would float.
Anyone looking for information about mercury will inevitably come across several guides on how to respond correctly in case of a spill. Something as simple as a broken thermometer deserves all our attention, and most of those guides always start with the same recommendation: If possible, we should not use mercury.
Nevertheless, the element still has several applications, starting with electronics. One of the most impressive examples is that of old lighthouses. The rotation of the Fresnel lens can be handled by a system of wheels or conventional bearings, but some designs used a tank full of mercury that acted as a liquid bearing.
Why the Anvil Floats
Why? Because the Fresnel lens basically floats on the mercury, just like this iron anvil weighing 50 kilograms. It all comes down to density. The value for mercury is 13.534 g/cm3 at room temperature, while for iron it's a little more than half that, 7.874 g/cm3.
In fact, Cody explains in the video that the relationship between iron and mercury makes the anvil float better compared to a piece of wood in water. Another interesting fact is that when he placed his feet in the mercury (with boots, of course), the pressure began to affect his circulation. He also performed a couple of acoustic tests, proving the damping power of mercury.
Handle With Care
Finally, I think it's very satisfying to watch the mercury slide across the surface of the anvil without wetting or staining it. If despite the warnings you plan to do something similar at home, remember: Be very careful, don't touch it directly, keep your pets away, and keep it away from metals like aluminum, silver, and gold.
