Abstract With thermodynamics, it is well explained that water seal on mercury surface is very effective for preventing the volatilization of mercury. Furthermore, if an immiscible multi-component system is steady placed, the volatilization of the phase with a greater density will be blocked by the top phase with a minimum density. A misconception exists in some physical chemistry textbooks, courseware, and many teachers' teaching process is stated. This is important for correct understanding of the phase equilibrium of immiscible dual liquid system, a type of common natural phenomena, effective use and control of such system.
REN Ju-Jie. Does Water Seal Really Do Not Work for Preventing the Volatilization of Mercury[J]. Chinese Journal of Chemical Education, 2015, 36(18): 74-76.