What is an Atom?
All living creatures, items, and substances are alike because they consist of atoms. Translated from the Geek as “indivisible,” the term atom refers to the basic units of matter (Sharp & Dobrijevic, 2021). The Big Bang caused the creation of atoms, and the earliest pieces were mainly hydrogen and helium (Sharp & Dobrijevic, 2021). Atoms are made up of three subatomic particles, which are neutrons, electrons, and protons (Sharp & Dobrijevic, 2021). Neutrons are uncharged fractions, whereas electrons are negatively charged and are electrically attracted to protons, which have a positive charge (Sharp & Dobrijevic, 2021). Consequently, while comprising smaller particles, atoms inseparable elements of everything in the universe.
The Formation of the Magnesium Atom
Magnesium is an important component for both nature and humankind. Initially discovered in an area of Greece called Magnesia, magnesium is a substance that has only one type of atom (“Magnesium,” 2019). It was first isolated from other elements by using electricity, and the magnesium atom is formed by twelve protons, each of which consists of three quarks (“Magnesium,” 2019; Sharp & Dobrijevic, 2021). Accordingly, the element’s atomic number is twelve, and magnesium is produced during stellar nucleosynthesis (Davis, 2022). The magnesium atom is a unique particle that contains protons.
General Characteristics of the Magnesium Atom
Magnesium is one of the most common elements worldwide, and its atom can be characterized by its structure and relations with others. As mentioned earlier, magnesium has twelve protons, and the number of these particles determines the chemical behavior of the component (Sharp & Dobrijevic, 2021). Consequently, the magnesium atom is grouped with alkaline earth metals, has a moderately low first ionization potential, and is found in nature in its ionic form (“Magnesium,” 2019; Davis, 2022). Moreover, the element is eager to bond with silicon, can be produced in healthy quantities, and appears primarily in minerals that comprise thick rocks on sea floors and in volcanic rocks (Davis, 2022). Due to the structure, the magnesium atom has qualities, such as ionization, that direct its essence.
Application of Magnesium in Nature
Magnesium is a significant component of the environment that benefits nature. The magnesium atom is among a class of molecules named chlorophylls, which are used by plants to perform photosynthesis (“Magnesium,” 2019; Davis, 2022). In addition, plants utilize magnesium to support their life processes as it is often used as a macroelement in fertilizers (“Magnesium,” 2019). Similarly, animals need magnesium for their cells to function properly. For instance, ruminants, such as cows and sheep, require the component to decrease the risk of grass staggers and milk fever (“Magnesium,” 2019). Moreover, magnesium assists animals in absorbing other elements, such as calcium (“Magnesium,” 2019). Accordingly, the application of magnesium in nature is based on its aid to plants and animals.
Application of Magnesium in Real Life
The usage of magnesium in real life provides advantages for humankind. Magnesium is similar to aluminum and can be employed in manufacturing automotive details (“Magnesium,” 2019). The element is also widely used in various electrical devices, including phones and laptops (“Magnesium,” 2019). Furthermore, magnesium is one of the seven macrominerals that the human body requires to stay healthy (“Magnesium,” 2019). In particular, people need the component for multiple biochemical reactions, energy, and the maintenance of DNA and RNA structures (“Magnesium,” 2019). The application of magnesium in real life is necessary to produce different items and support health.
References
Davis, R. B. (2022). Alkaline earth metals: The characteristics of magnesium and calcium. Wondrium Daily. Web.
Magnesium. (2019). Science Learning Hub. Web.
Sharp, T., & Dobrijevic, D. (2021). What is an atom? Facts about the building block of the universe. Live Science. Web.