Does any one know the kind of metal that will melt in your hand?

Question

Does any one know the kind of metal that will melt in your hand?

Answer 1

That'd be mercury for $100, Alex. And if you're lucky, you won't get sick. Mercury's poisonous.

Answer 2

Mercury, but don't try it, it's toxic

Answer 3

Further to the other answers; gallium will melt if held in the hand, mercury won't because it is already liquid at room temperature.

The third example is a bit dubious to say the least. Caesium (cesium in the US) melts at 28.5 deg C, so it would melt if you held it - but you wouldn't have a hand afterwards! A piece of caesium wrapped in thin plastic or something would presumably melt without that sort of drastic consequence.

The same applies to francium, with two added problems; it's extremely rare and ferociously radioactive. :)

There may be some amalgams (alloys with mercury) that melt at that sort of temperature, too.

Answer 4

Gallium is the only metal that you can hold in your hand and have it melt.  It's melting point is about 28'C.

Answer 5

Any metal will melt with enough heat

Answer 6

Mercury is already liquid before you put it in your hand, and ergo the incorrect answer. Unless you live in arctic conditions.

Gallium is a metal that melts at 29°C, body temperature being 37°C ergo this metal would be solid at room temperature and will eventually melt in your hand.