Frequently asked questions.

“Can” Questions:

1. Can MgO dissolve in water?

No, magnesium oxide (MgO) is only sparingly soluble in water, forming magnesium hydroxide (Mg(OH)₂) when it reacts.

2. Can MgO conduct electricity?

No, MgO is an electrical insulator and does not conduct electricity.

3. Can MgO be reduced by hydrogen?

Yes, under high temperatures, MgO can be reduced by hydrogen to form magnesium metal.

4. Can MgO react with water?

Yes, MgO reacts with water to form magnesium hydroxide (Mg(OH)₂).

5. Can MgO react with base?

No, MgO is basic and does not typically react with other bases.

“Are” Questions:

1. Are MgO tiles safe?

Yes, MgO tiles are safe, durable, and resistant to fire, mold, and moisture.

2. Are MgO boards waterproof?

MgO boards are water-resistant but not completely waterproof. Prolonged exposure to water can impact performance.

3. Are MgO panels fireproof?

MgO panels are highly fire-resistant but not completely fireproof. They can withstand high temperatures without burning.

4. Are MgO sheets recyclable?

Yes, MgO sheets can be recycled, although availability depends on local recycling facilities.

“How” Questions:

1. How is MgO formed?

MgO is formed by heating magnesium carbonate (MgCO₃) or magnesium hydroxide (Mg(OH)₂), releasing carbon dioxide or water.

2. How many atoms are in MgO?

MgO consists of two atoms: one magnesium (Mg) atom and one oxygen (O) atom.

3. How does MgO go on?

If referring to application, MgO boards or panels are installed like drywall, secured with screws and adhesive.

4. How is MgO used?

MgO is used in construction (boards, tiles), agriculture (soil treatment), medicine (antacids, laxatives), and industry (refractory materials).

5. How much MgO is in manuka honey?

Manuka honey does not naturally contain MgO; this might be a confusion with MGO (methylglyoxal), a key antibacterial compound in manuka honey.

“What” Questions:

1. What is MgO used for?

MgO is used in construction materials, refractory linings, agriculture, environmental protection, and medical products.

2. What is MgO board?

MgO board is a non-combustible construction board made from magnesium oxide, used for walls, ceilings, and flooring.

3. What does MgO stand for?

MgO stands for magnesium oxide.

4. What is MgO honey?

This likely refers to MGO honey, which is manuka honey containing methylglyoxal, known for its antibacterial properties.

5. What are MgO panels?

MgO panels are building materials made from magnesium oxide, used for their fire resistance, strength, and mold resistance.

“Why” Questions:

1. Why is MgO a good conductor of heat?

MgO has a high thermal conductivity, making it effective in transferring heat while remaining an electrical insulator.

2. Why does MgO have a high melting point?

MgO has strong ionic bonds between Mg²⁺ and O²⁻ ions, resulting in a high melting point (~2,852°C).

3. Why is MgO used in manuka honey?

It isn’t. This is likely a confusion with MGO (methylglyoxal), which is found in manuka honey.

4. Why is MgO stable?

MgO is chemically stable due to its strong ionic bonds and low reactivity under normal conditions.

“Which” Questions:

1. Which MgO is best for daily consumption?

MgO supplements used as antacids or magnesium sources should be chosen based on medical advice.

2. Which MgO is more soluble?

MgO has low solubility, but finely powdered MgO dissolves slightly better than coarse forms.

3. Which MgO manuka honey is best?

This refers to MGO levels in manuka honey; higher MGO ratings (e.g., 400+ MGO) indicate stronger antibacterial properties.

“Where” Questions:

1. Where to buy MgO boards?

MgO boards can be purchased from construction suppliers, hardware stores, or specialized building material retailers.

2. Where does MgO come from?

MgO is produced by calcining magnesium carbonate or hydroxide, commonly sourced from minerals like magnesite.

3. Where is MgO mined?

MgO itself isn’t mined but produced from magnesite deposits, found in countries like China, Brazil, and the USA.

4. Where is MgO used?

MgO is widely used in construction, agriculture, environmental protection, and industrial manufacturing.

“When” Questions:

1. When is MgO most reactive?

MgO is more reactive at high temperatures, especially when used in chemical processes like reduction.

2. When does MgO dissolve in water?

MgO only dissolves slightly in water at room temperature, forming magnesium hydroxide.

3. When was MgO discovered?

MgO was first isolated by Joseph Black in 1755.