The chemical element magnesium is the twelfth in a row in the periodic table. It belongs to the second group and the third period. It is included in the aggregate of alkaline earth metals. The science that studies these elements is chemistry. The periodic table, based on which this science can be studied, shows us that there are twelve protons and neutrons contained in a magnesium atom. This can be determined by the serial number (it is equal to the number of protons, and there will be as many electrons if it is a neutral atom, not an ion).
Chemical characteristics of magnesium are also studied by chemistry. The periodic table is also necessary for their consideration, since it shows us the valency of the element (in this case, it equals two). It depends on the group to which the atom belongs. In addition, with its help you can find out that the molar mass of magnesium is twenty-four. That is, one mole of this metal weighs twenty-four grams. The formula of magnesium is very simple - it does not consist of molecules, but of atoms united by a crystal lattice.
Physics Characterization of Magnesium
Like all metals except mercury, this compound has a solid state of aggregation under normal conditions. It has a light gray color with a peculiar sheen. This metal has a fairly high strength. The physical characteristic of magnesium does not end there.
Consider the melting and boiling points. The first is six hundred and fifty degrees Celsius, the second is one thousand ninety degrees Celsius. We can conclude that this is a fairly fusible metal. In addition, it is very light: its density is 1.7 g / cm3.
Magnesium. Chemistry
Knowing the physical characteristics of this substance, we can proceed to the second part of its characteristics. This metal has an average level of activity. This can be seen from the electrochemical series of metals - the more passive it is, the more right it is. Magnesium is one of the first on the left. Let us consider, in order, with what substances it reacts and how this happens.
With simple
These include those whose molecules consist of only one chemical element. This is oxygen, and fisfor, and sulfur, and many others. First, consider the interaction with oxygen. It is called burning. In this case, an oxide of this metal is formed. If you burn two moles of magnesium, while spending one mole of oxygen, we get two moles of oxide. The equation of this reaction is written as follows: 2Mg + 2 = 2MgO. In addition, when magnesium is burned in the open air, its nitride is also formed, since this metal simultaneously reacts with nitrogen contained in the atmosphere.
When burning three moles of magnesium, one mole of nitrogen is spent, and as a result we get one mole of nitride of the metal in question. The equation of this kind of chemical interaction can be written as follows: 3Mg + N 2 = Mg 3 N 2 .
In addition, magnesium is able to react with other simple substances, such as halogens. Interaction with them occurs only if the components are heated to very high temperatures. In this case, an addition reaction occurs. Simple substances are halogens: chlorine, iodine, bromine, fluorine. And the reactions are called appropriately: chlorination, iodination, bromination, fluorination. As you might have guessed, as a result of such interactions, you can get chloride, iodide, bromide, magnesium fluoride. For example, if we take one mole of magnesium and the same amount of iodine, we get one mole of iodide of this metal. This chemical reaction can be expressed using the following equation: Mg + I 2 = MgI 2 . Chlorination is carried out on the same principle. Here is the reaction equation: Mg + Cl 2 = MgCl 2 .
In addition, metals, including magnesium, react with phosphorus and sulfur. In the first case, you can get phosphide, in the second - sulfide (not to be confused with phosphates and sulfates!). If you take three moles of magnesium, add two moles of phosphorus to it and heat it to the desired temperature, one mole of the phosphide of the metal in question is formed. The equation of this chemical reaction is as follows: 3Mg + 2P = Mg 3 P 2 . In the same way, if we mix magnesium and sulfur in the same molar proportions and create the necessary conditions in the form of high temperature, we will get the sulfide of this metal. The equation for such a chemical interaction can be written as follows: Mg + S = MgS. So we examined the reactions of this metal with other simple substances. But the chemical characterization of magnesium does not end there.
Complex compounds reactions
Such substances include water, salts, acids. Metals react differently with different groups of chemicals . Let's consider everything in order.
Magnesium and water
When this metal interacts with the most common chemical compound on the Earth, oxide and hydrogen are formed in the form of a gas with a sharp unpleasant odor. To carry out this kind of reaction, the components also need to be heated. If you mix one mole of magnesium and water, we get the same amount of oxide and hydrogen. The reaction equation is written as follows: Mg + H 2 O = MgO + H 2 .
Acid interaction
Like other chemically active metals, magnesium is able to displace hydrogen atoms from their compounds. Such processes are called substitution reactions. In such cases, metal atoms replace hydrogen atoms and form a salt consisting of magnesium (or another element) and an acid precipitate. For example, if you take one mole of magnesium and add it to hydrochloric acid in an amount of two moles, one mole of the chloride of the metal in question is formed and the same amount of hydrogen. The reaction equation will look like this: Mg + 2HCl = MgCl 2 + H 2 .
Interaction with Salts
We have already told how salts are formed from acids, but the chemical characterization of magnesium also implies consideration of its reactions with salts. In this case, the interaction can occur only if the metal that is part of the salt is less active than magnesium. For example, if we take one mole of magnesium and copper sulfate, we get the sulfate of the metal in question and pure copper in an equal molar ratio. An equation of this kind of reaction can be written in the following form: Mg + CuSO 4 = MgSO 4 + Cu. Here, the reducing properties of magnesium are manifested.
The use of this metal
Due to the fact that in many respects it surpasses aluminum - it is approximately three times lighter than it, but at the same time twice as strong, it has become widespread in various industries. First of all, this is the aircraft industry. Here, magnesium-based alloys take first place in popularity among all the materials used. In addition, it is used in the chemical industry as a reducing agent for the extraction of certain metals from their compounds. Due to the fact that magnesium forms a very powerful flash during combustion, it is used in the military industry for the manufacture of flares, light-noise munitions, etc.
Getting magnesium
The main raw material for this is the chloride of the metal in question. This is done by electrolysis.
Qualitative reaction to cations of a given metal
This is a special procedure designed to determine the presence of ions of a substance. To test the solution for magnesium compounds, potassium or sodium carbonate can be added to it. As a result, a white precipitate forms, which easily dissolves in acids.
Where can this metal be found in nature?
This chemical element is quite common in nature. Almost two percent of the earth’s crust consists of this metal. It is found in many minerals, such as carnallite, magnesite, dolomite, talc, asbestos. The formula of the first mineral looks like this: KCl • MgCl 2 • 6H 2 O. It looks like crystals of bluish, pale pink, faint red, light yellow or transparent color.
Magnesite is a
magnesium carbonate, its chemical formula is MgCO
3 . It has a white color, but depending on impurities, it may have a gray, brown or yellow hue. Dolomite has the following chemical formula: MgCO
3 • CaCO
3 . It is a yellowish-gray or
ocher-colored mineral with a glass luster.
Talc and asbestos have more complex formulas: 3MgO • 4SiO 2 • H 2 O and 3MgO • 2SiO 2 • 2H 2 O, respectively. Due to their high heat resistance, they are widely used in industry. In addition, magnesium is included in the chemical composition of the cell and the structure of many organic substances. We will consider this in more detail.
The role of magnesium for the body
This chemical element is important for both plant and animal creatures. Magnesium is vital for plants. Just as iron is the basis of hemoglobin, which is necessary for animal life, so magnesium is the main component of chlorophyll, without which a plant cannot exist. This pigment is involved in the process of photosynthesis, in which nutrients are synthesized in leaves from inorganic compounds.
Magnesium is also very necessary for animals. The mass fraction of this microelement in the cell is 0.02-0.03%. Despite the fact that it is so small, it performs very important functions. Thanks to it, the structure of such organoids as mitochondria, responsible for cellular respiration and energy synthesis, as well as ribosomes, in which proteins necessary for vital functions are formed, is maintained. In addition, it is part of the chemical composition of many enzymes that are needed for intracellular metabolism and DNA synthesis.
For the body as a whole, magnesium is necessary to take part in the exchange of glucose, fats and certain amino acids. Also, with the help of this microelement, a nerve signal can be transmitted. In addition to all of the above, an adequate magnesium content in the body reduces the risk of heart attacks, heart attacks and strokes.
Symptoms of high and low levels in the human body
The lack of magnesium in the body is manifested by such basic signs as high blood pressure, fatigue and poor performance, irritability and poor sleep, memory impairment, and frequent dizziness. Nausea, cramps, trembling in the fingers, confusion can also be observed - these are signs of a very low level of intake of this microelement with food.
A lack of magnesium in the body leads to frequent respiratory diseases, disorders of the cardiovascular system, as well as type 2 diabetes. Next, consider the magnesium content in the products. To avoid its lack, you need to know what food is rich in this chemical element. It is also necessary to take into account the fact that many of these symptoms can also occur in the opposite case, an excess of magnesium in the body, as well as a lack of trace elements such as potassium and sodium. Therefore, it is important to carefully review your diet and understand the essence of the problem, it is best to do this with the help of a specialist nutritionist.
Magnesium Content in Products
As mentioned above, this element is the main component of chlorophyll. Therefore, we can guess that a large amount of it is contained in greens: these are celery, dill, parsley, cauliflower and white cabbage, lettuce, etc. Also, these are many cereals, especially buckwheat and millet, as well as oatmeal and barley. In addition, nuts are rich in this trace element: these are cashews, and walnuts, and peanuts, and hazelnuts, and almonds. Also, a large amount of the metal in question is found in legumes such as beans and peas.
A lot of it is contained in algae, for example, in sea kale. If the use of these products occurs in normal amounts, then your body will not lack the metal discussed in this article. If you do not have the opportunity to regularly eat the food listed above, then it is best to purchase nutritional supplements that include this trace element. However, before this, you must always consult a doctor.
Output
Magnesium is one of the most important metals in the world. It has found wide application in numerous industries - from chemical to aviation and military. Moreover, it is very important from a biological point of view. Without it, the existence of neither plant nor animal organisms is possible. Thanks to this chemical element, a process is being carried out that gives life to the entire planet - photosynthesis.