Magnesium | About The Element And The Following Uses
MAGNESIUM – In this topic, we are going to know and learn the element Magnesium and some of its following uses.
It is a chemical element with the symbol Mg, and the atomic number 12, hence, it is 12Mg .
The element is a shiny gray solid which bears a close physical resemblance to the other five elements in the alkaline earth metals group in the periodic table.
The element is the ninth most abundant element in the universe. It is produced in large, aging stars from the sequential addition of three helium nuclei to a carbon nucleus. When stars explode as supernovas, much of this element is expelled into the interstellar medium where it may recycle into new star systems.
In the earth’s crust, it is the eighth most abundant element. It is also the fourth most common element in the Earth.
Uses and Properties
Here are some of its uses, according to RSC:
- Image explanation
- Image is inspired by chlorophyll, the molecule contained in green plants that enables them to photosynthesise. The molecule contains a single atom of this element at its centre.
- Appearance
- The element is a silvery-white metal that ignites easily in air and burns with a bright light.
- Alloying Agent
- When used as an alloying agent, it improves the mechanical, fabrication and welding characteristics of aluminium. The alloy is useful in aeroplane and car construction.
- Lightweight Products
- The element is used in products that benefit from being lightweight like car seats, luggage, laptops, cameras and power tools
- Pyrotechnics
- Since it ignites easily in air and burns with a bright light, the element is used in flares, fireworks and sparklers.
- Chemical Compounds
- The elements compounds is used for various reasons:
- Sulfate – used as a mordant for dyes.
- Hydroxide – added to plastics to make them fire retardant
- Oxide – used to make heat-resistant bricks for fireplaces and furnaces, as well as in cattle feed and fertilisers
- Al compounds are all used in medicine
- The elements compounds is used for various reasons:
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