Magnesium (Mg)

About Magnesium

Magnesium is a chemical element with the symbol Mg and atomic number 12, meaning every atom has 12 protons in its nucleus. It is classed as Alkaline earth metal and is a solid at room temperature. Its atomic mass is about 24.305 atomic mass units (u).

On the periodic table, Magnesium sits in group 2, period 3, which determines how many electron shells it has and how it tends to react with other elements.

Uses of Magnesium

In daily life and industry, Magnesium is used for Lightweight alloys, fireworks. These uses are closely tied to the typical properties of elements in the Alkaline earth metal category.

Electron Structure of Magnesium

Using a simplified electron shell model (at most 2 electrons in the first shell, 8 in the second, 18 in the third, and so on), Magnesium has 3 electron shells, with an approximate arrangement of 2, 8, 2 electrons from the innermost shell to the outermost. This is a simplified learning model, not the full electron configuration that accounts for the s, p, d and f subshells.

Explore Other Elements

Want to see another element or try the element symbol quiz? Go back to the Interactive Periodic Table to explore all 118 chemical elements.

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