Magnesium is the twelfth element on the periodic table. It is located in the second
group called the alkaline earth metals. Natural magnesium contains three different isotopes,
and there are twelve others that are recognized. Seawater is a rich source of magnesium in
the form of salt. Magnesium is the eighth most abundant element in the earth's crust.
Magnesium readily ignites upon heating in air and burns with a dazzling white flame. To
extinguish the flame water should not be used. Alkaline earth metal salts in general, are less
soluble in water than the corresponding alkali metal salts. Some are even so insoluble that
they resist weathering and leaching action in rainwater. Alkaline earth metals are extracted
from the mineral ores like they have been for many decades. This second group of metals is
also less reactive than the alkali metals. They do not need to have a specific storage
procedure like that of the corresponding elements. These alkaline metals......
Join Now or Login to view the rest of this paper.
Approximate Word Count: 1305
Approximate Pages: 6 (260 words per double-spaced page) |