In the context of mercury spills on aluminum, which statement is accurate?

• A. Mercury is inert on aluminum
• B. Aluminum resists corrosion by mercury
• C. Mercury can cause rapid corrosion of aluminum
• D. Mercury only corrodes nickel alloys

Answer: (C)

Mercury readily interacts with aluminum by forming an amalgam and breaking down the protective oxide film that normally guards aluminum from corrosion. When mercury wets the surface, it dissolves into the metal and disrupts the oxide layer, exposing fresh aluminum to the environment. Once this protective barrier is compromised, aluminum can oxidize and corrode very quickly, especially in the presence of moisture or air. This is why spills of mercury on aluminum can lead to rapid, severe corrosion.

That’s why statements claiming mercury is inert on aluminum or that aluminum resists mercury corrosion aren’t accurate, and it isn’t limited to nickel alloys.