How to Research Magnesium

Magnesium, the twelfth element in the periodic table, comprises 0.6 percent of all matter in the universe. Magnesium is the first element that is distinctly metallic, and has much to offer students, not only of science but also of history. A little research will uncover some rich information about this interesting element.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You’ll Need:

• A periodic chart

1. Study the origins of magnesium, starting with when it was named for a Greek district in Thessaly called Magnesia that contained magnesium deposits.
2. Look for information about why magnesium was identified as an element in 1755 by Englishman Joseph Black. Read up on scientific history to know that Sir Humphry Davy isolated magnesium in 1808 electrolytically from magnesia and mercuric oxide.
3. Read about geology to understand why magnesium is readily available in the oceans and salt lake brines. Study world economics to see the impact of magnesium mining in China, Greece, North Korea, Russia and the United States. Study mining and chemical manufacturing techniques to learn how magnesium is primarily obtained through electrolysis of magnesium chloride.
4. Search chemistry and physics Web sites and books to learn about the best-known aspect of magnesium—its status as the first element that is distinctly metallic. Make sure to look for facts about magnesium's appearance, reactivity and other chemical and physical properties.
5. Look for information on chemical properties to understand why magnesium's largest single use is in aluminum alloys due to its strength and light weight. Study industrial applications, including how magnesium burns at an extremely high temperature, making it useful in flares, pyrotechnics and incendiary bombs. Research additional uses to learn how it is also used as a reducing agent in the preparation of uranium.
6. Search for information on biochemistry to learn why magnesium is essential for plant and animal life since it is a component of chlorophyll.

Tips & Warnings

• Magnesium and its alloys are highly flammable and melt when in powder form. Pure magnesium can spontaneously combust in air or water.
• Water cannot be used on a magnesium fire.
• Safety glasses should be worn to protect the eyes from the bright light produced by burning magnesium.