<prompt> Which of the following is the weakest phase in amalgam reaction?The voids phaseThe trace element phaseThe mercury phaseThe interphase  <response>: The mercury phase is the weakest phase in the product mass, and when it exceeds a certain volume limit, there will be a drastic drop in the strength and hardness properties of amalgam, in addition to increase in flow and creep of the restoration.Reference: Marzouk Operative dentistry, pg-106 