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Magnesium (Mg) – Element 12 of the periodic table

Magnesium (symbol Mg) is element number 12 of the periodic table and belongs to the “Alkaline earth metal” category. Its atomic mass is about 24.305, and its phase under standard conditions is Solid. This element sits in period 3 and group 2 of the periodic table, and its electrons are arranged in shells of 2, 8, 2. The short electron configuration of Magnesium is [Ne] 3s². Known uses of Magnesium include Lightweight alloys, Antacid tablets and Fireworks.

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Properties of Magnesium

Atomic number
12
Chemical symbol
Mg
Atomic mass
24.305
Category
Alkaline earth metal
Period
3
Group
2
Phase
Solid
Protons
12
Electrons
12
Neutrons (approx.)
12
Electron shells
2, 8, 2
Outer-shell electrons
2
Discovered
Joseph Black (1755)

Electron configuration of Magnesium

The electron configuration of Magnesium (Mg), with 12 electrons, is shown below. The last shell (shell 3) is highlighted:

Full configuration
1s² 2s² 2p⁶ 3s²
Short configuration
[Ne] 3s²
Last shell
3s²

What is electron configuration and how is it written?

Electron shells of Magnesium

Distribution of 12 electrons of Magnesium across shells K to M:

  1. K2
  2. L8
  3. M2

What is a alkaline earth metal?

The alkaline earth metals are the group 2 elements: reactive metals, harder than the alkali metals and with higher melting points, that usually form ions with a +2 charge.

Uses of Magnesium

Frequently asked questions about Magnesium

What is the atomic number of Magnesium?

The atomic number of Magnesium (Mg) is 12; that is, every atom of it has 12 protons.

What is the electron configuration of Magnesium?

The electron configuration of Magnesium (Mg) is 1s² 2s² 2p⁶ 3s²; in short form it is [Ne] 3s², and its last shell is 3s².

What is the chemical symbol of Magnesium?

The chemical symbol of Magnesium is Mg.

Where is Magnesium located in the periodic table?

Magnesium is located in period 3 and group 2 and belongs to the “Alkaline earth metal” category.

What is the atomic mass of Magnesium?

The atomic mass of Magnesium is about 24.305 (atomic mass units).

What is the phase of Magnesium under normal conditions?

The phase of Magnesium under standard conditions is Solid.

What are the uses of Magnesium?

Uses of Magnesium include Lightweight alloys, Antacid tablets and Fireworks.

Who discovered Magnesium?

Magnesium was discovered by Joseph Black in 1755.

Elements in the same category as Magnesium (Alkaline earth metal)

Beryllium (Be)Calcium (Ca)Strontium (Sr)Barium (Ba)Radium (Ra)

See all Alkaline earth metals

Magnesium’s group 2 neighbours

Beryllium (Be)Calcium (Ca)Strontium (Sr)Barium (Ba)Radium (Ra)

Group 2 of the periodic table