What will amalgam look like if the capsule did not contain enough mercury?

If the capsule did not contain enough mercury, the amalgam will appear dry and crumbly. This is because mercury is a crucial component in the amalgamation process, which is necessary for the alloy particles to effectively react and form a cohesive mass. When there is insufficient mercury, the amalgam fails to fully coalesce into a smooth, workable consistency, leading to a mixture that lacks the necessary fluidity to bind together properly.

As a result, the amalgam will not exhibit the qualities typical of a well-mixed product, such as a homogeneous texture or the desirable wetness that indicates adequate mercury content. Instead, the dry and crumbly texture indicates that the components are not adequately integrated, which can lead to potential issues with the strength and longevity of the dental restoration.