Suggest the type of bonding present between $\text{H}_2\text{O}$ and $\text{Mg}^{2+}$, and also between $\text{H}_2\text{O}$ and $\text{NO}_3^-$.
Describe how the water molecules are positioned around the $\text{Mg}^{2+}$ ion.
Describe in detail what you would observe when crystals of $\text{Mg(NO}_3)_2\cdot6\text{H}_2\text{O}$ are heated in a boiling tube, first gently and then more strongly. Write equations for any reactions that take place.
Calculate the percentage decrease in mass when $\text{Mg(NO}_3)_2\cdot6\text{H}_2\text{O}$ is heated strongly to constant mass.
Explain why the Group 2 nitrates become more thermally stable down the group.
Magnesium nitrate and silver nitrate, $\text{AgNO}_3$, break down on heating to give the same gases. Silver nitrate also forms silver metal during decomposition. Write an equation for the decomposition of $\text{AgNO}_3$.