Magnesium

From Conservapedia
This is the current revision of Magnesium as edited by DavidB4-bot (Talk | contribs) at 14:13, June 24, 2016. This URL is a permanent link to this version of this page.

(diff) ← Older revision | Latest revision (diff) | Newer revision → (diff)
Jump to: navigation, search
Magnesium
Properties
Atomic symbol Mg
Atomic number 12
Classification Alkaline Earth
Atomic mass 24.305 amu
Number of Stable Isotopes 3
Density (grams per cc) 1.738 g/cm^3
Other Information
Date of discovery 1808
Name of discoverer Sir Humphrey Davy
Name origin Magnesia (city in Thessaly, Greece)
Uses lightweight alloys
Obtained from Dolomite, magnesite, carnallite, kieserite, sea water


Magnesium is an element that has the symbol Mg and atomic number 12. It is in the "alkaline earth" column of the periodic table.

It is somewhat soft, and very light. When finely divided, it burns with a brilliant white light. It is used in fireworks, was formerly used in photographic flash bulbs, and was used in flash powder before that. It is also used in very light alloys in aircraft and missiles, in lens coatings, and as an electrolytic (galvanic) protector of other metals.

Magnesium was identified as an element in 1755 by Joseph Black, and isolated in 1808 by Sir Humphrey Davy, by electrolysis.

Magnesium plays an important biological role, being used by the body to help maintain muscles, nerves, and bones. It is also used in energy metabolism and protein synthesis.