What is Manganese?
[[File:Manganese.jpg|thumb|Manganese slab]] '''Manganese''' is [[chemical element]] 25 on the [[periodic table]]. Its symbol is '''Mn'''. (Some people get it confused with [[magnesium]], the symbol is Mg). Manganese is used a lot in steel to make it stronger. This is the main use for manganese metal. Manganese compounds, particularly manganese(IV) oxide, are used in alkaline cells and Leclanche cells. Manganese metal is also alloyed with aluminium. Our bodies and plants need manganese to work right. If we do not get enough manganese, we can get sick. We get manganese from our food and vitamins also have some manganese to make sure that we get enough. It has 25 protons. Its mass number is 54.94. ==Properties== {{see also|Category:Manganese compounds}} Manganese is a silvery-gray metal and is part of the group known as the [[transition metal]]s. It is similar to iron. It is hard to melt, but easy to [[oxidation|oxidize]]. Manganese forms [[chemical compound]]s in several [[oxidation state]]s: +2, +4, and +7 are the most common. Manganese compounds can be black, brown, pink, red, green, blue, and purple. Manganese(II) compounds are pink or light brown. They are unreactive. [[Manganese(II) chloride]] is a common example. Manganese(III) compounds are weak [[oxidizing agent]]s. Manganese(IV) compounds are stronger oxidizing agents, but they are rarer. They are normally black in colour. [[Manganese(IV) oxide]] is an example. Manganese(V) compounds are not stable and [[disproportionation|disproportionate]] easily. They are bright blue. They are very rare. [[Hypomanganate]]s are the most common manganese(V) compounds. Manganese(VI) compounds are made in the process used to make permanganates. They disproportionate too. [[Manganate]]s are weak reducing agents and [[wikt:moderate|moderate]] oxidizing agents. They are bright green. Manganese(VII) compounds are purple-black and are powerful oxidizing agents. [[Permanganate]]s contain the MnO<sub>4</sub><sup>-</sup> ion. They are normally purple-black and strong oxidizing