Wired Chemist

The Properties Of Magnesium And Barium Metal

Notice that the magnesium rod has the luster typical of metals, whereas the barium rod is coated with a white substance (barium oxide and barium hydroxide).When attempts are made to cut a piece of the metal it becomes clear that the barium is more easily cut than the magnesium.When freshly cut, the barium also exhibits a metallic luster.Both metals conduct the electric current, but the coating on the barium rod prevents it from conducting the current (the light bulb is not illuminated)Both metals react with water to form hydrogen gas and the metal hydroxide.The barium, however,reacts more violently with water.