Manganese (Mn)

🔹 Basic Information

• Element Name: Manganese
• Discovered By: Johan Gottlieb Gahn
• Year of Discovery: 1774
• Category: Transition Metal
• Group: 7 (Group VIIB – Transition Metals)
• State at Room Temperature: Solid (gray-white metal) ⚙️

Manganese is a hard, brittle metal that’s not found free in nature but is super important in metals, batteries, and even your body! 💪🔋

🔸 Chemical Properties

• Chemical Symbol: Mn
• Atomic Number: 25
• Atomic Mass: ~54.94 u
• Valency: Multiple (commonly 2, 4, 7)
• Electronic Configuration: [Ar] 3d⁵ 4s²

Manganese forms colorful compounds, especially purple, green, and pink ones. It reacts slowly with oxygen and water but reacts easily with acids.

📘 Basic Things to Know

Manganese is often used in making steel stronger and more flexible. It’s found in ores like pyrolusite (MnO₂) and is essential for life in tiny amounts — especially for enzymes that help our bodies process food and energy! 🍽️⚡

🤔 Interesting Facts

• Manganese is not magnetic, but it often works with iron in alloys.
• It’s vital in plant growth and photosynthesis! 🌿
• Manganese dioxide is used in dry-cell batteries (like AA batteries). 🔋
• Ancient cave paintings used manganese oxides as black pigments over 17,000 years ago! 🎨
• Manganese helps protect cells from damage — it’s part of your antioxidant system. 🧬

🔧 Common Uses

• Steel Production: Added to iron to create strong, rust-resistant steel. 🏗️
• Batteries: Used in alkaline and lithium batteries to store and release energy. 🔋
• Chemicals: Manganese compounds are used in fertilizers, glass, and ceramics. 🧪
• Pigments: Adds color to bricks, tiles, and glassware. 🧱
• Health Supplements: Trace amounts are used in vitamins and enzyme support. 💊

📚 Conclusion

Manganese is a silent strength element — not flashy, but incredibly important in making metal tougher, batteries better, and bodies healthier. For students, it’s a great example of how even lesser-known elements have a huge impact in science and everyday life! 🔬⚙️