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Characteristic of magnesium. The chemical element of magnesium

The chemical element of magnesium is the twelfth under the account in the periodic table. It refers 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. Mendeleev's table, based on which one can study this science, shows us that the protons and neutrons contained in the magnesium atom are twelve. This can be determined by the ordinal number (it is equal to the number of protons, and the number of electrons will be the same if it is a neutral atom, and not an ion).

Chemical features of magnesium also studies chemistry. Mendeleev's table is also necessary for their consideration, since it shows us the valence of the element (in this case it is equal to 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 equal to twenty-four. That is, one mole of this metal weighs twenty-four grams. The magnesium formula is very simple - it does not consist of molecules, but of atoms combined by a crystal lattice.

Characterization of magnesium in terms of physics

Like all metals, except mercury, this compound has a solid aggregate state under normal conditions. It has a light gray color with a peculiar luster. This metal has a fairly high strength. This physical characteristics of magnesium does not end there. Consider the melting point and boiling point. The first is six hundred and fifty degrees on the scale of Celsius, the second is one thousand ninety degrees Celsius. It can be concluded that this is a fairly low-melting metal. In addition, it is very light: its density is 1.7 g / cm3.

Magnesium. Chemistry

Knowing the physical characteristics of this substance, you can go 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 to the right it is. Magnesium is one of the first on the left. Consider in order, with what substances it reacts and how it 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 a given 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 + O 2 = 2MgO. In addition, when magnesium is burned in the open air, its nitride is also formed, since this metal reacts in parallel with the nitrogen contained in the atmosphere.

With the combustion of three moles of magnesium, one mole of nitrogen is expended, and as a result one mole of the nitride of the metal is obtained. The equation of this kind of chemical interaction can be written in the following way: 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 when the components are heated to very high temperatures. In this case, an addition reaction occurs. Halogens include such simple substances: chlorine, iodine, bromine, fluorine. And the reactions are called appropriately: chlorination, iodination, bromination, fluorination. As it was already possible to guess, as a result of such interactions it is possible to obtain chloride, iodide, bromide, magnesium fluoride. For example, if you take one mole of magnesium and the same amount of iodine, we get one mole of the iodide of this metal. This chemical reaction can be expressed by the following equation: Mg + I 2 = MgI 2 . The same principle is used for chlorination. 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 the phosphide, in the second - sulfide (not to be confused with phosphates and sulphates!). If you take three moles of magnesium, add to it two moles of phosphorus and heat to the desired temperature, one mole of the phosphide of the metal is formed. The equation for this chemical reaction is as follows: 3Mg + 2P = Mg 3 P 2 . Similarly, if you mix magnesium and sulfur in the same molar proportions and create the necessary conditions in the form of a high temperature, we get the sulphide of a given metal. The equation for this chemical interaction can be written as: Mg + S = MgS. So we have considered the reactions of this metal with other simple substances. But the chemical characteristic of magnesium does not end there.

Reactions with complex compounds

These substances include water, salts, acids. With different groups of chemicals, metals react differently. Consider everything in order.

Magnesium and water

When the metal interacts with the most common chemical compound on 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 .

Interaction with acids

Like other reactive metals, magnesium is able to displace hydrogen atoms from their compounds. Such processes are called substitution reactions. In such cases, the atoms of metals are replaced by hydrogen atoms and the formation of a salt consisting of magnesium (or other element) and 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 and the same amount of hydrogen are formed. The reaction equation will look like this: Mg + 2HCl = MgCl 2 + H 2 .

Interaction with salts

As salts are formed from acids, we have already told, but the characterization of magnesium from the point of view of chemistry implies the consideration of its reactions with salts. In this case, the interaction can occur only if the metal in the salt is less active than magnesium. For example, if you take one mole of magnesium and copper sulfate, we get the sulphate of the metal in question and pure copper in an equal molar ratio. The 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.

Application of this metal

Due to the fact that it surpasses aluminum in many respects - it is about three times lighter, but twice as strong, it has become widespread in various industries. First of all, this is aircraft construction. Here, magnesium-based alloys rank first in popularity among all materials used. In addition, it is used in the chemical industry as a reducing agent for the production of certain metals from their compounds. Due to the fact that during combustion, magnesium forms a very powerful flash, it is used in the military industry for the production of signal missiles, light-noise ammunition, etc.

Getting magnesium

Basically, the raw material for this is the chloride of the metal in question. This is done by electrolysis.

A qualitative reaction to the 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 the presence of magnesium compounds, you can add to it potassium or sodium carbonate. As a result, a white precipitate forms, which is readily soluble in acids.

Where is this metal found in nature?

This chemical element is quite common in nature. The Earth's crust consists almost of two percent 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, pale red, light yellow or transparent color. Magnesite is magnesium carbonate, its chemical formula is MgCO 3 . It has a white color, but depending on the impurities, it can 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 that has a glassy sheen.

Talc and asbestos have more complex formulas: 3MgO • 4SiO 2 • H 2 O and 3 MgO • 2SiO 2 • 2H 2 O, respectively. Due to their high heat resistance, they are widely used in industry. In addition, magnesium is part of the chemical composition of the cell and the structure of many organic substances. This we will consider in more detail.

The role of magnesium for the body

This chemical element is important for both plant and animal creatures. Magnesium for the plant organism is simply vital. Just as iron is the basis of hemoglobin, necessary for animal life, so magnesium is the main component of chlorophyll, without which there can not be a plant. This pigment participates in the process of photosynthesis, in which nutrients are synthesized from inorganic compounds in leaves. Magnesium is also very necessary for the animal organism. 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 activity 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 needed to take part in the exchange of glucose, fats and some amino acids. Also, with the help of this trace element, a nerve signal can be transmitted. In addition to all of the above, a sufficient amount of magnesium in the body reduces the risk of heart attacks, heart attacks and strokes.

Symptoms of high and low content in the human body

The lack of magnesium in the body is manifested by such basic signs as high blood pressure, fatigue and poor working capacity, irritability and bad sleep, memory impairment, frequent dizziness. Also, nausea, convulsions, trembling in the fingers, confusion may be observed - these are signs of a very low level of intake with food of a given microelement. The lack of magnesium in the body leads to frequent respiratory diseases, disorders in the work of the cardiovascular system, as well as diabetes of the second type. Next, consider the magnesium content of the products. To avoid its lack, you need to know what food is rich in this chemical element. It should also be taken into account that many of these symptoms can manifest themselves 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 nature of the problem, it is best done with the help of a nutritionist.

The magnesium content of the products

As mentioned above, this element is the main constituent of chlorophyll. Therefore, you can guess that a large number of it is found in greenery: celery, dill, parsley, cauliflower and cabbage, lettuce, etc. Also, many cereals, especially buckwheat and millet, as well as oatmeal and barley. In addition, this nutrient is rich in nuts: cashews, walnuts, peanuts, hazelnuts, and almonds. Also, a large amount of the metal in question is contained 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 a normal amount, then your body will not lack in the metal considered in this article. If you do not have the opportunity to regularly eat the food listed above, then it is best to buy food additives, which include this trace element. However, before this you should always consult with your doctor.

Conclusion

Magnesium is one of the most important metals in the world. It has found wide application in numerous branches of industry - from chemical to aviation and military. Moreover, it is very important from a biological point of view. Without it, the existence of neither vegetative nor animal organisms is possible. Thanks to this chemical element, the process that gives life to the whole planet is carried out - photosynthesis.

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