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Table of Contents
Magnesium is an element in the periodic table that has the chemical symbol Mg and the atomic number 12. It is a gray solid with a lustrous appearance, and it is quite similar to the other five alkaline earth metals in terms of its physical and chemical characteristics.
See the fact file below for more information on Magnesium, or you can download our 30-page Magnesium worksheet pack to utilize within the classroom or home environment.
Key Facts & Information
ETYMOLOGY
- The term magnesium came from the Greek word for places that were associated with the tribe of the Magnetes. These locations might have been a district in Thessaly known as Magnesia[38] or Magnesia ad Sipylum.
- In the year 1831, Antoine Bussy put everything together in a cohesive shape. Davy’s first option for a name was magnium; nevertheless, the word magnesium is currently used in English and other major European languages other than Russian. Magnesium was Davy’s first idea for a name.
DISCOVERY
- Joseph Black, working in Edinburgh in 1755, is credited with being the first to recognize magnesium as an element. He differentiated between magnesia (magnesium oxide, MgO) and lime (calcium oxide, CaO), despite the fact that both are created by heating magnesite and limestone, both carbonate rocks.
- In 1808, Sir Humphry Davy in England was the first person to isolate the metal successfully. A combination of magnesia and mercuric oxide was subjected to the electrolysis process.
COMPONENTS
CHEMICAL PROPERTIES
- Magnesium is the fourth most frequent element on the Earth (after iron, oxygen, and silicon), making up 13% of the planet’s mass and a major portion of the planet’s mantle. Magnesium is the eighth most prevalent element in the Earth’s crust and the fourth most common element in the Earth overall.
- Magnesium can be found on the third row and in the second group of elements. It is under the s-block, which is also known as the alkaline-earth metals. At 68F, it is in a solid state, while iron’s melting point is at 1202F, and its boiling point is at 1994F. It has a density of 1.74 g/cm3 and an atomic mass of 24.305.
PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
- Magnesium is one-third less dense than aluminum. When it is employed as an alloying agent, it has the effect of enhancing the mechanical properties of aluminum as well as the fabrication and welding properties of the metal. The production of automobiles and airplanes both benefit from using these metals.
- In the presence of air, it undergoes a slight oxidation process; however, in contrast to the heavier alkaline earth metals, it is not necessary to store magnesium in an oxygen-free environment. This is because magnesium is protected by a thin layer of oxide that is fairly impermeable and difficult to remove.
- Magnesium metal and its alloys can be explosive dangers; they are highly combustible in their pure form when molten or in powder or ribbon form. Explosive hazards can be created when magnesium metal and its alloys are combined. Magnesium that has been burned or that is molten interacts aggressively with water. When water is added to a fire that is being caused by magnesium, hydrogen gas is produced. This gas can encourage the fire to burn more vigorously.
- Magnesium is produced when big status fuse helium and neon, which results in the creation of magnesium. In supernovas, the nuclei of three helium nuclei are combined with the nucleus of one carbon atom to form the element.
MAGNESIUM COMPOUNDS
- The reaction of carbon dioxide with a number of different magnesium compounds can produce magnesium carbonate. The odorless white powder has numerous applications in industry, such as serving as a heat insulator for boilers and pipelines and as an additive in food, medicines, cosmetics, rubbers, inks, and glass. Additionally, the powder is colorless and crystalline in appearance.
- Magnesium hydroxide is a white powder that may be created in huge amounts from seawater by adding milk or lime. This process results in the production of magnesium hydroxide. It is the most important raw element in the manufacturing of magnesium metal and has been utilized as an additive for preventing the spread of fire. Milk of magnesia is a suspension formed when combined with water and is recognized for its long history of usage as both an antacid and a laxative.
- When magnesium hydroxide is exposed to hydrochloric acid, magnesium chloride is produced. Magnesium chloride is a substance that is odorless, water-absorbent, and colorless. It is used in the production of magnesium metal, the manufacture of cement that is used for heavy-duty flooring, and as an additive in the production of textiles. Additionally, it is utilized in the coagulation of soy milk during the process of making tofu.
- Magnesia is a white solid used to produce high-temperature refractory bricks, electrical and thermal insulators, cement, fertilizer, rubber, and plastics. Magnesia also plays a role in these industries. In the world of medicine.
- Magnesium sulfate is a mordant that is frequently utilized in the production of colors.
- Bricks that can withstand high temperatures, such as those used in fireplaces and furnaces, are typically made using magnesium oxide.
- Magnesium is an element frequently utilized in producing goods that get advantage from their low weight, such as automobile seats, baggage, computers, cameras, and power tools.
USES OF MAGNESIUM
- Magnesium emits a dazzlingly brilliant white light when it burns in air; this light also contains significant amounts of ultraviolet wavelengths. In the early days of photography, magnesium powder, sometimes known as flash powder, was used to illuminate the subjects of the photographs.
- In later years, magnesium filament began to be utilized in single-use photographic flashbulbs that were electrically fired. Magnesium powder is employed wherever there is a need for a blinding white light, such as in pyrotechnics and naval flares. In addition, it was used for various effects in the theater, such as lightning, gun flashes, and otherworldly looks.
- Magnesium is an element that is necessary for life in all forms, including plant and animal life. Magnesium is necessary for the maintenance of good health in all living things, including plants and animals. It is a component of the chlorophyll molecule, which is present in all plants that are green. The chemical in green plants known as chlorophyll is responsible for regulating the process by which carbon dioxide and water are converted into carbohydrates like starch and sugar. Plants that do not receive an adequate supply of magnesium are unable to produce sufficient amounts of chlorophyll. As a consequence of this, the leaves of the plant develop spots of yellowish color.
- In the year 1618, a farmer in Epsom, England, sought to provide water for his cows by drawing it from a nearby well. However, the farmer discovered that the water appeared to treat the cows’ scrapes and rashes, despite the water’s bitter taste, which prevented the cows from drinking the water. Epsom salts evolved to be the common name for the material as its popularity grew. It took some time, but in the end, scientists determined that it was hydrated magnesium sulfate. The populace quickly discovered that bathing in natural waters that included Epsom salts helped people feel better. In no time at all, soaking in these waters became a widely practiced activity. In modern times, Epsom salts have found their way into bath water. They smooth the skin and calm tired muscles at the same time.
- It is a mineral that is also required for proper function in the human body. Magnesium is a mineral that is essential to the proper functioning of several enzymes. In addition to this, it is necessary for human bones.
- In the area of medicine, this metal is applied to the treatment of skin-related disorders as well as nutritional inadequacies.
MAGNESIUM AS A SUPPLEMENT
- Magnesium, a mineral found in high quantities in the human body, is found naturally in a wide variety of foods, is added to other food items, and is sold as a nutritional supplement. Magnesium is essential for processes including glycolysis, oxidative phosphorylation, and the creation of energy. It is essential for the production of DNA, RNA, and the antioxidant glutathione, and it plays a role in forming bone’s structural components.
- Magnesium may be found in a wide variety of meals, including those derived from plants and animals, as well as drinks. Sources such as legumes, nuts, seeds, whole grains, and green leafy vegetables like spinach are all beneficial. Magnesium may often be obtained through meals that are high in dietary fiber. Additionally, milk, yogurt, morning cereals, and other fortified meals may have magnesium as an additional ingredient.
HEALTH CONCERNS
- An overdose from food sources alone is uncommon since the kidneys quickly filter excess magnesium from the blood. However, an overdose is more likely in the context of poor renal function. Dietary sources alone are unlikely to induce an overdose.
- Diabetes, heart disease, osteoporosis, sleep disturbances, and metabolic syndrome are all associated with low magnesium intake or absorption. Low magnesium intake or absorption can also cause symptoms such as loss of appetite, nausea and vomiting, fatigue and weakness, shaking, muscle spasms, sleepiness, and abnormal heart rhythms.
Magnesium Worksheets
This fantastic bundle includes everything you need to know about Magnesium across 30 in-depth pages. These ready-to-use worksheets are perfect for teaching kids about Magnesium, a gray solid element with a lustrous appearance.
Download includes the following worksheets
- Magnesium Facts
- Made of Magnesium
- Magnesium on My Plate
- Unscramble Me
- Mg Favoritism
- Get To Know Me
- Many Me
- Fact or False
- Magnificent Magnesium
- I Learned Thatβ¦
- Fire Out!
Frequently Asked Questions
What is unique about magnesium?
Magnesium is diverse and widespread, the eighth most abundant in the world. Its most common compound, magnesium oxide, makes up approximately 1.3 billion kilograms of every cubic kilometer of seawater! Moreover, it stands out from other metallic elements as its lightweight properties make it one of a kind.
What is the primary function of magnesium?
Magnesium significantly contributes to over 300 enzymes, enabling them to perform crucial chemical processes such as formulating proteins and maintaining strong bones, balancing blood sugar levels, regulating blood pressure, and controlling muscle and nerve movements.
Why is magnesium very vital for life?
Magnesium plays an indispensable role in the body, contributing to a healthy nervous and muscular system, safeguarding the immune system, helping regulate heartbeat rate, keeping bones robust, and aiding in energy production. Additionally, it helps stabilize blood sugar levels as well as synthesize proteins.
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Link will appear as Magnesium Facts & Worksheets: https://kidskonnect.com - KidsKonnect, January 30, 2023
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