How much energy (in joules) is released when 0.06 kilograms of mercury is condensed to a liquid at the same temperature? A. 51,302.88 J B. 20,075.04 J C. 17,705.1 J D. 697.08 J

The amount of energy released when 0.06 kg of mercury condenses at the same temperature can be calculated using its latent heat of fusion which is the opposite of melting. Latent heat of fusion and melting can be used because they have the same magnitude, but opposite signs. Latent heat is the amount of energy required to change the state or phase of a substance. For latent heat, there is no temperature change. The equation is:

E = m (ΔH)

where:

m = mass of substance

ΔH = latent heat of fusion or melting

According to data, the ΔH of mercury is approximately 11.6 kJ/kg.

E = 0.06kg (11.6 kJ/kg) = 0.696 kJ or 696 J

The answer is D. 697.08 J. Note that small differences could be due to rounding off or different data sources.