Magnesium
Alkaline Earth Metal
Magnesium (Mg) is a chemical element with atomic number 12, classified as a alkaline earth metal. At room temperature it is a solid. It was discovered in 1755 by Joseph Black.
Properties
- Atomic number
- 12
- Atomic mass
- 24.305 u
- Category
- Alkaline Earth Metal
- Group
- 2
- Period
- 3
- Block
- s-block
- Electron configuration
- [Ne] 3s²
- Phase at STP
- Solid
- Density
- 1.738 g/cm³
- Melting point
- 923 K (649.9 °C)
- Boiling point
- 1363 K (1089.8 °C)
- Electronegativity
- 1.31
- Atomic radius
- 145 pm
- Ionization energy
- 7.646 eV
- Discovery
- 1755 · Joseph Black
Common uses
Lightweight alloys, fireworks, antacids, photography flashes
Did you know?
Burns with brilliant white light and is essential for chlorophyll in plants.
Compounds you can make with magnesium
Magnesium appears in 2 compounds in our periodic table sandbox. Each one is a real substance with its true chemical formula — combine the right elements in the right ratio below to discover it.
-
MgO
Magnesium Oxide
A white mineral used in antacids, supplements, and refractory bricks.
-
MgSO4
Magnesium Sulfate (Epsom Salt)
Epsom salt, dissolved in baths to soothe sore muscles and used in gardening.