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Interesting Facts about the History of the Discovery of Magnesium
Element
Magnesium was discovered by
Joseph Black, in England, in 1755 who observed that magnesia alba
(MgO) was not quicklime. The element was isolated by A.
A. B. Bussy and Sir Humphry
Davy in 1808 who isolated the metal electrochemically from
magnesia.
Joseph Black (1728 – 1799)
Sir Humphry
Davy
Sir Humphry Davy (1778-1829) isolated
Sodium,
Lithium,
Potassium, barium, strontium, and calcium by means of
electrolysis. Davy also demonstrated the elementary nature of
Chlorine,
invented the safety lamp and discovered the stupefying effects of
nitrous oxide.
Sir Humphry Davy (1778 - 1829)
Properties
Magnesium is a rather tough silvery-white metal of small
density. Air does not act rapidly upon it, but a thin film of
oxide forms upon its surface, dimming its bright luster. The
common acids dissolve it with the formation of the corresponding
salts. It can be ignited readily and in burning liberates much
heat and gives a brilliant white light. This light is very rich
in the rays which affect photographic plates, and the metal in
the form of fine powder is extensively used in the production of
flash lights and for white lights in pyrotechnic displays.
Magnesium as on the
Periodic Table
Check out Magnesium on the Periodic Table which arranges each chemical
element according to its atomic number, as based on the
Periodic Law, so that chemical elements with similar properties are in the
same column. Our Periodic Table is simple to use - just click on
the symbol for Magnesium as on the Periodic Table for additional information and for an instant
comparison of the Atomic Weight, Melting Point, Boiling Point and
Mass - G/cc with any other element. An invaluable source of facts
and information as a Chemistry reference guide.
Other elements classified as
Alkaline Earth Metals
The other elements contained in
this classification are as follows:
What is Magnesium - IUPAC and the
Modern Standardised Periodic Table
The Standardised Periodic Table in use today was agreed by the
International Union of Pure Applied Chemistry, IUPAC, in 1985 and
now recognises more periods and elements than
Dimitri
Mendeleev knew in his day in his day but still all fitting into his concept of
the "Periodic Table" in which
Magnesium is just one element
that can be found.
Learn about what is
Magnesium
with these fast facts...
These articles
contain facts and information relating to Magnesium and each
of the other elements including the
Periodic Symbol, group, classification, properties and atomic
number which is often referred to as the
Periodic Table Number.
Test your knowledge of chemistry and the Periodic Table by
completing the Element Symbols and Atomic Numbers on our
Blank Periodic Table.
Chemistry students will also find a helpful section on
Chemical Formulas. |
