Physical Properties Of Magnesium

Magnesium

12Mg

By Ean Smit

Grade 8E

1. Appearance: shiny grey solid

2. Crystal structure: hexagonal (close-packed)

2. Atomic number: 12

3. Standard atomic weight: 24.305 (24.304–24.307)

4. Physical properties:

Phase: solid Melting point: 923 K (650 °C, 1202 °F) Boiling point: 1363 K (1091 °C, 1994 °F)

A. General facts:

 Magnesium is the ninth most commonly found element in the universe.

 Consequently, magnesium is the eighth most abundant element in the Earth's crust and the fourth most common element in the Earth below iron, oxygen and silicon.

 It makes up 13% of the planet's mass and a large fraction of the planet's mantle.

 It is the third mostly found element dissolved in seawater, after sodium and chlorine.

 Since magnesium is less dense than aluminium, this alloy is prized for its properties of lightness combined with strength.

 Magnesium is the eleventh most commonly found element by mass in the human body. Its ions are essential to all cells.

 Magnesium ions are sour to the taste, and in low concentrations they help impart a natural sour taste to fresh mineral waters.

 Magnesium is the metallic ion at the center of chlorophyll, and is a common additive to fertilizers.

C. Characteristics:

1. Physical properties:

• Elemental magnesium is a gray-white lightweight metal.

• It tarnishes slightly when exposed to air, and is difficult to remove.

• Magnesium reacts with water at room temperature.

• When submerged in water, hydrogen bubbles almost unnoticeably begin to form on the surface of the metal. The reaction occurs faster with higher temperatures.

• Magnesium's ability to react with water can be used to produce energy and run a magnesium-based engine.

• Magnesium also reacts with most acids, and releases hydrogen gas.

• Magnesium has both the lowest melting and the lowest boiling points of any of the alkali earth metals.

2. Chemical