Mg
Magnesium
Atomic number: 12Mass: 24.305 uCategory: Alkaline Earth Metal
About Magnesium
Magnesium is a shiny grey solid which shares many physical and chemical properties with the other five alkaline earth metals. It is the eighth most abundant element in the Earth's crust and essential for chlorophyll in plants.
Properties
Period
3
Group
2
Block
S
Category
Alkaline Earth Metal
Electronegativity
1.31 (Pauling)
Ionization Energy
737.7 kJ/mol
Melting Point
923 K (650°C)
Boiling Point
1363 K (1090°C)
Density
1.738 g/cm³
Oxidation States
+2
Electron Configuration
1s² 2s² 2p⁶ 3s²
[Ne] 3s²
Shell 1:2e⁻
Shell 2:8e⁻
Shell 3:2e⁻
Real-World Uses
Lightweight alloys
Fireworks
Medicine (antacids)
Fertilizers
Structural metal
Fun Fact
Magnesium burns with such a bright white flame that it was used in early photography as 'flash powder'!