Magnesium Research Paper

Magnesium (Mg) has an atomic number of 12 and an atomic mass of 24. It has 12 protons, 12 neutrons (varies with isotopes), and 12 electrons (if it has no charge). Magnesium has a boiling point of 1363 K (1091 C/1944 F) and a melting point of 923 K (650 C/1202 F). At room temperature magnesium is solid. You can buy magnesium for $0.83 per lb. Magnesium is a metal and belongs to the alkaline-earth metal family. Magnesium was named after the city of Magnesia; it was discovered by Bussy in 1828 A.D.. Early structural uses of magnesium alloys were in aircraft fuselages, engine parts, and wheels. They are now also used in jet-engine parts, rockets and missiles, luggage frames, portable power tools, and cameras and optical instruments. It must be noted that Magnesium is a very reactive metal and does not exist in a free state in
nature. It reacts with a slow pace with cold water and at a very rapid pace with hot water.
The oxidation process of magnesium is very rapid and if kept in open, a layer of oxidized magnesium is formed on the surface of the metal. Magnesium also burns very rapidly, when it is at room temperature. This burning process is very furious as it produces a blinding white light. This metal also reacts with almost all the acids and alkalies, forming a variety of different compounds and by products. Another important property of magnesium is that it actively reacts with many non-metals such as nitrogen, phosphorous, chlorine, sulfur, bromine, iodine and fluorine. Magnesium also readily reacts with some other compounds such as carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, sulfur dioxide and nitric oxide. Magnesium has an appearance of a silvery and white shade. Among all the structural metals, magnesium is the lightest. The structural metals are generally used to build massive structures and buildings. Magnesium however is rarely used in the structures in its free form due to its reactive properties. It is, in such cases, used as an alloy. This metal can be fabricated very
easily. Pieces of magnesium can be welded, molded, cut and shaped according to the requirements. About 2.1 percent of the earth's crust contains magnesium. This volume makes magnesium the 6th most found element. One of the biggest deposits of magnesium is found in the sea water. It has been calculated by the scientists, that a cubic mile of of seawater contains about six million tonnes of magnesium. As mentioned in the chemical properties, magnesium is also present in many other compounds like dolomite, magnesium carbonate that is also known as magnesite and magnesium sulfate which is also known by the name epsomite.

 Magnesium is the eighth most abundant element in the earth's crust.
 It does not occur uncombined, but is found in large deposits in the form of magnesite, dolomite, and other minerals.
 The adult daily nutritional requirement, which is affected by various factors include weight and size, is about 300 mg/day.
 Because serious fires can occur, great care should be taken in handling magnesium metal, especially when finely divided. Water should not be used on burning magnesium or on magnesium fires.
 It is used as a reducing agent in the production of pure uranium and other metals from their salts.
 The hydroxide (milk of magnesia), chloride, sulfate (Epsom salts), and citrate are used in medicine.