Which does not form amalgam

Options

A. Fe
B. Co
C. Ag
D. Zn

Answer

To determine which metal does not form an amalgam, we need to analyze the properties of the metals listed: iron, cobalt, silver (Ag), and zinc. An amalgam is an alloy of mercury with another metal.

### Step-by-Step Solution:

1. **Understanding Amalgams**: An amalgam is a mixture of mercury with another metal. Not all metals can form amalgams with mercury due to their chemical properties.

2. **Analyzing Iron**:
- Iron does not form a strong alloy with mercury. When iron is mixed with mercury, it does not create a stable amalgam. Instead, it forms an interstitial compound where the iron atoms do not interact strongly with mercury.
- Therefore, iron does not form an amalgam.

3. **Analyzing Cobalt**:
- Cobalt can form amalgams with mercury. It has a suitable electronic configuration and bonding characteristics that allow it to interact with mercury.

4. **Analyzing Silver (Ag)**:
- Silver can also form amalgams with mercury. Silver is known to readily dissolve in mercury, forming a stable amalgam.

5. **Analyzing Zinc**:
- Zinc can form amalgams with mercury as well. It has the necessary properties to create a stable alloy with mercury.

6. **Conclusion**: Among the metals listed, iron is the only metal that does not form an amalgam with mercury.

### Final Answer:
**Iron does not form an amalgam.**