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
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