UPSC Prelims 1998·GS1·science-and-technology·materials and robotics

Which one of the following metals does not form amalgams?

Dalvoy logo
Reviewed by Dalvoy
UPSC Civil Services preparation
Last updated 23 May 2026, 3:31 pm IST
  1. AZinc
  2. BCopper
  3. CMagnesium
  4. DIronCorrect

Explanation

An amalgam is an alloy of mercury with another metal. Most metals form amalgams with mercury, but iron is a notable exception. Iron does not form an amalgam because it has very low solubility in mercury and does not readily bond with it. Because iron does not react with mercury, it is the standard material used to manufacture flasks and containers for storing and transporting liquid mercury. Zinc, copper, and magnesium all react with mercury to form amalgams, making iron the correct choice.
science-and-technology: Which one of the following metals does not form amalgams?

Related questions

More UPSC Prelims practice from the same subject and topic.