Atomic number:12

Group numbers:2

Period:3

Electronic configuration:[Ne] 3s²

Formal oxidation number:+2

Electronegativities:1.31

Atomic radius / pm:159.9

Relative atomic mass:24.3050 ± 0.0006

 

Magnesium was discovered by Sir Humphry Davy (GB) in 1808. The origin of the name comes from the Greek word Magnesia, a district of Thessaly. It is a lightweight, malleable, silvery-white metal that burns in air with a brilliant white flame and reacts with water as temperature elevates. It can ignite in air and it reacts violently with oxidants. Magnesium is found in large deposits in the form of magnesite, dolomite and other minerals. It is usually obtained by electrolysis of melted magnesium chloride (MgCl2) derived from brines, wells and sea water. Magnesium is used in alloys to make airplanes, missiles and other uses for light metals. It has structural properties similar to aluminium.

Density / g dm^-3:1738 (293 K)

 1585 (m.p.)

Molar volume / cm³mol^-1:13.98 (293 K)

 15.33 (m.p.)

Electrical resistivity / μΩcm:4.45 (20 °C)

Thermal conductivity / W m^-1K^-1:156

Melting point / °C:650

Boiling point / °C:1090

Heat of fusion / kJ mol^-1:9.04

Heat of vaporization / kJ mol^-1:127.6

Heat of atomization / kJ mol^-1:146.499

1st ionization energy / kJ mol^-1:737.76

2nd ionization energy / kJ mol^-1:1450.69

3rd ionization energy / kJ mol^-1:7732.75

in the atmosphere / ppm:-

in the Earth's crust / ppm:32000

in the oceans / ppm:1300