Magnesium atom in 3D
Light alloys and chlorophyll. Magnesium is used in lightweight alloys. A magnesium ion lies at the centre of chlorophyll’s ring structure. Explore the 3D model, inspect its parts and learn with guided explanations. Free on Atlas.
What you can learn
Light alloys and chlorophyll. Magnesium is used in lightweight alloys. A magnesium ion lies at the centre of chlorophyll’s ring structure.
Identify magnesium from its proton count.
Count the neutrons in Magnesium-24.
Inspect the occupied electron shells.
Compare the valence shell with a neighbouring element.
Explain what changes when an electron is lost.
The same element can participate in very different materials, including a metal alloy and a biological molecule.
Try an investigation
Identify magnesium from its proton count.
Check your understanding
What identifies an atom as magnesium?
12 protons. Atomic number is proton count. Every magnesium nucleus has 12 protons.
How many neutrons are in Magnesium-24?
12. Neutrons = mass number − atomic number = 24 − 12 = 12. Mass number is not the average atomic weight of natural samples.
How many electrons are in a neutral magnesium atom?
12. A neutral atom balances 12 positive protons with 12 negative electrons.
Which shell count describes neutral magnesium in its ground state?
2, 8, 2. [Ne] 3s² gives 2, 8, 2 electrons across its occupied shells. Circular paths are only diagram guides.
If this atom loses one electron, what happens to its net charge?
It becomes +1. Losing one negative electron leaves one more proton than electrons. Its 12 protons still identify it as magnesium.
What can this 3D shell model tell you reliably?
The particle counts for the selected neutral isotope. The counts represent a defined isotope and neutral atom. Particle sizes, spacing and circles are simplified teaching symbols.
Sources and model scope
An educational representation. The explorer identifies its data sources, scale choices and simplifications.