12 Mg 24.305

Magnesium

alkaline earth metal

Properties

Atomic number
12
Atomic mass
24.305 u
Category
alkaline earth metal
Group
2
Period
3
Block
s-block
State (room temp)
Solid
Outer-shell electrons
2
Electronegativity
1.31 (Pauling)
Density
1.738 g/cm³
Melting point
649.85 °C
Boiling point
1089.85 °C

Electron configuration

1s² 2s² 2p⁶ 3s²

Noble-gas shorthand: [Ne] 3s²

Electrons per shell: 2, 8, 2, which is 2 in the outermost shell.

Related: electron configuration, the Bohr model, valence electrons.

Mg
Bohr model; outer-shell electrons in blue

About Magnesium

Magnesium is a chemical element with symbol Mg and atomic number 12. It is a shiny gray solid which bears a close physical resemblance to the other five elements in the second column (Group 2, or alkaline earth metals) of the periodic table:they each have the same electron configuration in their outer electron shell producing a similar crystal structure. Magnesium is the ninth most abundant element in the universe.

Magnesium: frequently asked questions

What is Magnesium?
Magnesium (Mg) is the chemical element with atomic number 12. It is a metal: specifically an alkaline earth metal.
What is the atomic number of Magnesium?
Magnesium's atomic number is 12, which means every Magnesium atom has 12 protons in its nucleus.
What is the electron configuration of Magnesium?
The electron configuration of Magnesium is 1s2 2s2 2p6 3s2 (noble-gas shorthand: [Ne] 3s2). Its electrons are arranged in shells of 2, 8, 2, with 2 in the outermost shell.
Is Magnesium a metal or a nonmetal?
Magnesium is a metal: specifically an alkaline earth metal.
What group and period is Magnesium in?
Magnesium is in group 2 and period 3 of the periodic table.
Is Magnesium a solid, liquid, or gas?
At room temperature, Magnesium is a solid.

Position in the periodic table

Open the interactive periodic table →

Data compiled from Wikipedia, PubChem, and IUPAC. Source.