Magnesium - An Overview

Magnesium is a chemical element with the symbol Mg and atomic number 12. It is a shiny, grey, strong metal that is known for its low density and high strength-to-weight ratio. Magnesium is the eighth most abundant element in the Earth's crust and is essential for living organisms.

Physical and Chemical Properties of Magnesium:

Atomic number: 12
Atomic mass: 24.305 u
Physical state at room temperature: Solid
Melting point: 650°C (1,202°F)
Boiling point: 1,090°C (1,994°F)
Density: 1.738 g/cm³
Chemical properties: Magnesium is highly reactive and can burn in air with an intense white light. It readily forms compounds with other elements, and is an essential component in many minerals.

Uses of Magnesium:

Magnesium has a wide range of industrial and biological uses, including:

Alloying agent in the production of aluminum-magnesium alloys, which are lightweight and strong
As a reducing agent in the production of titanium, zirconium, and other metals
In the production of magnesium-based materials such as magnesium oxide and magnesium hydroxide
In the manufacturing of fireworks, flares, and incendiary devices due to its ability to burn brightly
In medicine, as a supplement to support bone health and as a laxative

Biological Importance of Magnesium:

Magnesium is an essential mineral for human health and is involved in numerous biochemical reactions within the body. It plays a crucial role in:

Energy production
Protein synthesis
Muscle and nerve function
Bone formation
Regulation of blood sugar levels
Blood pressure regulation

Study Guide:

To understand the topic of magnesium, consider focusing on the following key areas for study:

Physical and chemical properties of magnesium
Industrial and biological uses of magnesium
Biological importance and role of magnesium in human health
Reactions of magnesium with other elements
Common compounds of magnesium and their applications

◂Science Worksheets and Study Guides Eighth Grade. Earthquakes

Vocabulary/Answer key

Earthquakes

Vocabulary/Answer key

Earthquakes

Vocabulary/Answer key

Earthquakes

Vocabulary/Answer key

Earthquakes

The resources above cover the following skills:

Earth/Space Science: Students will use scientific skills and processes to explain the chemical and physical interactions (i.e., natural forces and cycles, transfer of energy) of the environment, Earth, and the universe that occur over time.

Earth History: Explain how sedimentary rock is formed periodically, embedding plant and animal remains and leaving a record of the sequence in which the plants and animals appeared and disappeared.

Explain how sedimentary rock buried deep enough may be reformed by pressure and heat and these reformed rock layers may be forced up again to become land surface and even mountains.

Explain why some fossils found in the top layers of sedimentary rock are older then those found beneath in lower layers: Folding; Breaking; Uplift; Faulting; Tilting.