Reactivity of Mg vs. Reactivity of Na

Attribute	Reactivity of Mg	Reactivity of Na
Atomic number	12	11
Atomic mass	24.305 u	22.989769 u
Electron configuration	[Ne] 3s2	[Ne] 3s1
Valence electrons	2	1
Ionization energy	737.7 kJ/mol	495.8 kJ/mol
Electronegativity	1.31	0.93

Introduction

Magnesium (Mg) and Sodium (Na) are both alkali metals that exhibit reactivity when exposed to certain substances. Reactivity is a measure of how readily an element will undergo a chemical reaction. In this article, we will compare the reactivity of Mg and Na, exploring their similarities and differences in terms of their reactions with other elements and compounds.

Physical Properties

Magnesium is a silver-white metal that is relatively light and has a melting point of 650°C. It is a solid at room temperature and is commonly found in nature as magnesium oxide. Sodium, on the other hand, is a soft, silvery-white metal that is even lighter than magnesium. It has a lower melting point of 98°C and is also a solid at room temperature. Both Mg and Na are highly reactive metals due to their single valence electron.

Reaction with Water

When magnesium is placed in water, it reacts slowly to form magnesium hydroxide and hydrogen gas. The reaction is not as vigorous as with other alkali metals due to the protective layer of magnesium oxide that forms on the surface of the metal. Sodium, on the other hand, reacts violently with water to produce sodium hydroxide and hydrogen gas. The reaction is so exothermic that it can ignite the hydrogen gas produced, resulting in a fiery explosion.

Reaction with Oxygen

Both magnesium and sodium react with oxygen to form oxides. Magnesium burns brightly when ignited in air, producing magnesium oxide as a white powder. This reaction is highly exothermic and is commonly used in fireworks and flares. Sodium also reacts with oxygen to form sodium oxide, but the reaction is not as intense as with magnesium. Sodium oxide is a white solid that is commonly used in glass-making.

Reaction with Acids

Magnesium reacts with acids such as hydrochloric acid to produce magnesium chloride and hydrogen gas. The reaction is relatively slow compared to other metals, but it still produces a noticeable effervescence. Sodium, on the other hand, reacts vigorously with acids to produce sodium chloride and hydrogen gas. The reaction is highly exothermic and can be dangerous if not controlled properly.

Reaction with Halogens

Both magnesium and sodium react with halogens such as chlorine to form metal halides. Magnesium reacts with chlorine gas to produce magnesium chloride, a white crystalline solid. The reaction is relatively slow and requires heat to initiate. Sodium, on the other hand, reacts explosively with chlorine gas to produce sodium chloride, a common table salt. The reaction is so vigorous that it can result in a bright yellow flame.

Conclusion

In conclusion, magnesium and sodium exhibit different levels of reactivity due to their atomic structures and physical properties. While magnesium is less reactive than sodium in some reactions, it is still considered a highly reactive metal. Understanding the reactivity of these elements is important in various industrial and scientific applications, as well as in everyday life.