Why is this element important in everyday life?
Magnesium is essential for plant and animal growth. It forms the minerals the minerals that make dolomite rock. Magnesium is sold as a fire starter in most sporting goods stores. It is also used in flashlight bulbs and is still used in signal flames.
Where is this element found in nature?
Magnesium is found most commonly in seawater and as magnesium carbonate in dolomite rock. It makes up over .13% of seawater. Magnesium is the eighth most plentiful element at the surface of the earth.
What are the properties of the element?
General Characteristics =
Magnesium is silvery, white metallic in color. Magnesium is the most reactive element in its group but overall, it is relatively unreactive.
Atomic Symbol =Mg
Period Number = 3
Group Number and Family Name =Group 2, Alkaline earth metals
Atomic Number = 12
Atomic Mass =1.0080
Density =1.74g/mL
Melting Point =65 degrees C
Boiling Point =1107degreesC
Electron Configuration =1s2 2s22p23s2
Shorthand Notation =[Ne]3p2
Common Reactions =If you light a taper made of magnesium ribbon, it bursts into flame and gives off a bright white light. Magnesium salts dissolve in fresh water to make hard water
Interesting Information =Magnesium is part of the chlorophyll of all green plants and forms the minerals that make dolomite rocks. It was first isolated by Sir Humphrey Davey in 1807. Magnesium is alloyed with other metals for use in structures such as aircraft parts, bicycle frames, wheels and even superstructures on warships because of its low density and high strength.
Who is Magnesium ?
"Today on the Rosie O'Donald Show we have a special guest who has helped so many of us at such a young age. She has opened herself up to all who ask her to. Please welcome, Magnesium!"
"Hi everybody!"
"So, how are you today honey?"
" I'm doing great!"
"Why don't you tell us a little bit about yourself."
"Well, as you know, my name is Magnesium and I am a junior at Alkaline Earth High School. I am very well liked among all who attend my school, but sometimes I get angry and I don't react well to those situations. Normally, I only react with nonmetals. They can make me mad. But overall, I am unreactive towards everyone."
"Tell us a little bit about yourself, your friends, and your hobbies. Are you in any clubs or anything like that?"
"I have three best friends Calcium, Strontium, and Beryllium, and we are all considered to be in group two among class rankings. We all have very different hobbies and are good at different things. I am the president of our nature club here at school because of the fact that I am essential in the growth and health of plants and animals all over. I am an essential dietary mineral that provides important nutrients to all living things. Also, I am found the in chlorophyll in plants that makes plants grow and stay healthy."
"That is great! What else do you do?"
"Well, along with my alloyed metals, I am used in structures such as aircraft parts and frames, bicycle frames, wheels, and I even get to be used in the super structures on warships."
"Very Cool! Why do you, over all the other elements in the earth, get that honor?"
"It's because of my low density and high strength. I work out you know!"
"Are you in any biochemical processes or anything?"
"I am used in animals for nerve impulse transmission, muscle contraction and carbohydrate metabolism."
"That's so interesting! Well, Magnesium, I would thank you for coming on my show today. You were a delight!"
"My pleasure! Bye, now!"
