Magnesium (Mg)
Magnesium is a lightweight, strong metal essential for both plant and animal life. It is the central atom in chlorophyll.
Properties of Magnesium
- Atomic number
- 12
- Category
- Alkaline Earth Metal
- Atomic mass
- 24.305 u
- Electron configuration
- [Ne] 3s²
- Melting point
- 923 K (649.85 °C)
- Boiling point
- 1363 K (1089.85 °C)
- Density
- 1.738 g/cm³
- Electronegativity (Pauling)
- 1.31
- Appearance
- Shiny gray solid
- Discovered by
- Joseph Black (1755)
Facts about Magnesium
- Magnesium burns with a blindingly bright white flame — don't look directly at it!
- Magnesium is at the center of every chlorophyll molecule, making plants green!
- Sparklers and fireworks use magnesium for their bright white sparks!
- Magnesium is used to make lightweight car and airplane parts!