Atomic Number 12
Magnesium (Mg)
Group2
Period3
BlockS
State @ 25°CSolid
Valence Electrons2
Electron Config (Noble)[Ne] 3s2
12MgMagnesium24.305
Tap related elements to compare trends across group and period.
Physical Properties
How this element behaves in real-world conditions.
- State (25°C)
- Solid
- Density
- 1.738 g/cm³
- Melting Point
- 650 °C
- Boiling Point
- 1090 °C
Atomic Structure
Core identity and periodic table positioning.
Electromagnetic Properties
How this element attracts and exchanges electrons.
- Electronegativity
- 1.31
- Ionization Energy
- 7.646 eV
- Electron Affinity
- -0.4 eV
- Metallic Character
- Metal
Hero / Identity Section
Core identity profile for Magnesium with periodic placement and electron context.
- Element Name
- Magnesium
- Symbol
- Mg
- Atomic Number
- 12
- Atomic Mass
- 24.305
- Group
- 2
- Period
- 3
- Block
- S
- Category
- Alkaline Earth
- Standard State
- Solid
- Electron Configuration (Full)
- 1s2 2s2 2p6 3s2
- Electron Configuration (Noble Gas)
- [Ne] 3s2
- Valence Electrons
- 2
Quick Facts Card (Table Layout)
Fast-reference values for physical and energetic properties.
Atomic Radius
145 pm
Ionic Radius
Not available in current dataset
Electronegativity (Pauling)
1.31
1st Ionization Energy
7.646 eV
Electron Affinity
-0.4 eV
Density
1.738 g/cm³
Melting Point
650 °C
Boiling Point
1,090 °C
Heat Capacity
Not available in current dataset
Thermal Conductivity
Not available in current dataset
Visual Components
Visual learning views for table position, shells, orbitals, and phase behavior.
Highlighted Position in Periodic Table Grid
Mg
Row 3, Column 2
Bohr Model Diagram
Mg
Educational shell model for electron arrangement.
Electron Shell Diagram
- K shell2
- L shell8
- M shell2
Orbital Configuration Diagram
1s2/2
2s2/2
2p6/6
3s2/2
Phase Illustration
Solid
Solid lattice
Atomic Structure Section
Nuclear composition and electron shielding interpretation.
- Protons
- 12
- Neutrons (Most Abundant Isotope Estimate)
- 12
- Electrons
- 12
- Electron Configuration Breakdown
- 2 • 8 • 2
- Shielding Explanation
- Core electrons (~10) shield part of the nucleus, reducing attraction felt by outer electrons compared with the full nuclear charge.
- Effective Nuclear Charge (Estimate)
- 2
Chemical Properties Section
Category-guided chemistry behavior with periodic context for comparison.
- Common Oxidation States
- +2 (dominant)
- Reactivity Summary
- Reactive metals, generally less reactive than alkali metals but still oxidation-prone.
- Acid/Base Behavior
- Typically forms basic oxides/hydroxides with variable solubility.
- Bonding Behavior
- Commonly ionic compounds with nonmetals.
- Typical Compounds
- MgO, MgCl2, MgSO4
- Periodic Trend Comparison (Group Neighbors)
- Compared with Be, this element is lower in the group and typically has a larger atomic size and lower ionization tendency. Compared with Ca, this element is higher in the group and often shows a smaller radius with stronger effective attraction to valence electrons.
Isotopes & Nuclear Data
Isotope stability and abundance notes for learning-oriented nuclear context.
- Stable Isotopes
- Stable isotopes are known. Most abundant isotope is commonly represented near Mg-24.
- Radioactive Isotopes
- Radioactive isotopes exist alongside stable isotopes.
- Natural Abundance (%)
- Naturally occurring with isotope-dependent abundance.
- Half-life (If Applicable)
- Stable isotopes have no half-life; radioactive isotopes have isotope-specific half-lives.
- Nuclear Spin (Optional Advanced)
- Advanced isotope-level data is not included in the current core dataset.
- Most Abundant Isotope (Estimate)
- Mg-24
Applications & Uses
How this element appears in industry, biology, medicine, and technology.
- Industrial Uses
- Used in construction materials, metallurgy, pyrotechnics, and ceramics.
- Biological Role
- Several members play major structural/signaling roles in organisms.
- Medical Use
- Certain salts are used in antacids, supplements, and contrast applications.
- Technological Relevance
- Important in alloys, refractory materials, and process chemistry.
- Environmental Impact
- Widely occurring in minerals; some forms can drive hardness and alkalinity shifts.
Safety & Handling
General hazard guidance for educational reference and lab awareness.
- Toxicity
- Elemental forms may irritate/react; many salts are low hazard but dose dependent.
- Flammability
- Finely divided forms can be combustible; bulk forms are less flammable.
- Storage Considerations
- Keep dry and separate from strong acids and oxidizers.
- Regulatory Classification
- Classification depends strongly on compound form and exposure pathway.