Coils of magnesium ribbon showing their appearance when fresh (right) and tarnished (left). Magnesium is an alkaline earth metal, with atomic number 1

Coils of magnesium ribbon showing their appearance when fresh (right) and tarnished (left). Magnesium is an alkaline earth metal, with atomic number 1 Stock Photo
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Image details

Contributor:

Science Photo Library / Alamy Stock Photo

Image ID:

2ACYWY8

File size:

54.6 MB (305.9 KB Compressed download)

Releases:

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Dimensions:

4370 x 4370 px | 37 x 37 cm | 14.6 x 14.6 inches | 300dpi

Date taken:

11 December 2014

More information:

Coils of magnesium ribbon showing their appearance when fresh (right) and tarnished (left). Magnesium is an alkaline earth metal, with atomic number 12 and symbol Mg. It has a bright, lustrous appearance that dulls in air as it tarnishes with the formation of a layer of magnesium oxide, a process called passivation. When heated in air it burns with a brilliant white flame, a property that has been exploited in its use in flares and flash bulbs.