Spilled mercury on aluminum causes rapid and severe corrosion.

• A. True
• B. False
• C. Not enough information
• D. Only under high humidity

Answer: (A)

Mercury causes rapid corrosion of aluminum because it forms an amalgam with aluminum at the surface, which disrupts the protective oxide film that normally shields aluminum from corrosion. Aluminum relies on a thin Al2O3 oxide layer to stay resistant; when mercury adsorbs and alloyates at the surface, that layer is compromised, creating exposed metal that can corrode quickly in the presence of moisture or electrolytes. Even though humidity can accelerate the process, the fundamental issue is the mercury-aluminum interaction that leads to severe, localized corrosion, often manifesting as pits. So the statement is true: spilled mercury on aluminum can cause rapid and severe corrosion.