When Magnesium Ribbon is Burnt in air, it Combines with Oxygen to form

Q. When Magnesium ribbon is burnt in air, it combines with oxygen to form ________.

Ans:– The term “oxidation” was first used to describe reactions in which a metal reacts with oxygen to form its metal oxide which is basic in nature. The chemical reaction between magnesium metal and oxygen to generate magnesium oxide, for example, is called oxidation of magnesium.

The experiment of combustion of magnesium in oxygen is performed by burning a magnesium ribbon. Magnesium burns easily in the air when it is in its metal form. Although, the magnesium ribbon requires a source of energy to begin the reaction (burning). The flame supplies heat to the magnesium metal atoms, allowing them to overcome their activation energy which means the lowest energy necessary for a chemical reaction to proceed. Magnesium Oxide is formed when magnesium ribbon burns and reacts with oxygen in the air. The chemical equation is:

2Mg(s)+O2(g)→2MgO(s)

Observations:

• Due to the burning, the magnesium oxide turns into a white powder. 

• To produce this white powdery product, magnesium gives away two electrons to oxygen atoms. 

• This is a reaction that produces heat which makes it an exothermic reaction that refers to the reaction in which there is a net release of energy from a chemical reaction (heat).

• Intense light is produced during the reaction which is enough to make a person have a loss of sight if looked at directly or without protective glasses.

Hence according to the observations of the experiment, when Magnesium ribbon is burnt in air, it combines with oxygen to form Magnesium oxide (MgO).