Magnesium
Magnesium | |
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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.
Periodic Table of the Elements | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
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1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 16 | 17 | 18 | |||||||
12
Mg 24.312 |
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*Lanthanides | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
**Actinides | ||||||||||||||||||||||||