Not Burnt
Science brain teasers require understanding of the physical or biological world and the laws that govern it.
John spilt some molten metal on his hand. However, he didn't get burnt.
How can this be possible?
HintQ: Is John wearing gloves?
A: No
Q: Is John a real human on earth?
A: Yes
Q: Is the molten metal iron?
A: No
Q: Is John handicapped and wearing a fake hand?
A: No
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Answer
The molten metal is mercury (Hg)!
Mercury's melting point is lower than that of water and is a liquid at room temperature. It's got something to do with the very weak Hg-Hg bonding, and that's due to the fact that Hg atoms do not share their valence electrons readily.
Mercury is poisonous and should be handled with care. However, unlike other liquids, it doesn't stick to or infiltrate solid surfaces unless they're made of metals. Therefore, mercury poisoning is unlikely to be caused by skin contact.
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Comments
CatsAreCute  
Jan 07, 2008
| Really fun! |
rockstar1234567  
Jan 08, 2008
| Well.................Good
easy................why would you put mercury in your mouth anyway!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! |
unklemyke 
Jan 22, 2008
| People have been putting mercury in their mouths for years, they just usually encase it in glass - haven't you ever taken your temperature with a mercury thermometer? Also, during most od the 20th century, tooth cavities were filled with an amalgam of silver and mercury - are you sure you haven't been putting mercury in your mouth??   |
besmartbaby 
Feb 01, 2008
| Simple but fun!!! Loved it!  |
fizzmaister
Feb 13, 2008
| It could also have been one of the metals that melts just above room temperature (but it doesn't burn). |
kunju
Jun 29, 2008
| loved this teaser  |
Wa11E  
Sep 24, 2008
| Don't try this at home the fumes are hazardous and the element is poison (it is found in some fish and shell fish)
btw - it is not molten as in applied heat it is in liquid state at room temperature |
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