Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Verified for the 2026 exam
Verified for the 2026 exam•Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Definition
Magnesium nitrate is a compound made up of magnesium (Mg) cations and nitrate (NO3-) anions. It is often used as a fertilizer for plants because it provides essential nutrients such as magnesium.
Related terms
Nitrate: Nitrate is a polyatomic ion (NO3-) composed of one nitrogen atom and three oxygen atoms. It is commonly found in fertilizers and can be taken up by plants to support growth.
Magnesium is an alkaline earth metal with atomic number 12. It belongs to Group 2 on the periodic table and has two valence electrons. It plays a crucial role in various biological processes, such as muscle function and enzyme activity.
A compound is a substance composed of two or more different elements chemically bonded together. In the case of magnesium nitrate, it consists of magnesium cations (Mg2+) and nitrate anions (NO3-).