Question

TYPED RESPONSE ONLY

Choose a metal to describe in depth; do not choose a nonmetal already selected by another student. Include information on its discovery, history, abundance, physical and chemical properties, and uses or applications.

Answer 1

MAGNESIUM (₁₂Mg)

Magnesium was discovered by British Scientist Humphry Davy in 1808. The name Magnesium comes from the name of mineral "Magnesite".

After sodium and chlorine ion, magnesium ion is the third most abundant ion dissolved in the oceans. Magnesium is an essential constituent of Chlorophyll found in plants.

PHYSICAL PROPERTIES

• SILVERY WHITE IN COLOUR
• MALLEABLE
• DUCTILE
• LOW DENSITY OF 1,74 GM/CC
• GOOD CONDUCTOR OF HEAT AND ELECTRICITY
• SOLD IN FORM OF RIBBONS

CHEMICAL PROPERTIES

• DECOMPOSES STEAM OR BOILING WATER WITH EVOLUTION OF HYDROGEN
• DISPLACES HYDROGEN FROM DILUTE ACIDS
• ON HEATING IT READILY FORM HALIDES
• ACTS AS STRONG REDUCING AGENT
• MAGNESIUM DISSOLVES IN ETHER SOLUTION OF ALKYL HALIDES AND FORMS GRIGNARD REAGENT

USES

• USED IN EXTRACTION OF BORON AND SILICON
• USED FOR MAKING GRIGNARD REAGENT
• USED FOR MAKING FLASH BULBS IN PHOTOGRAPHY
• MAKING ALLOYS LIKE MAGNELIUM(5%), ELECTRON METAL(95%), DURALUMIN(0.5%)