Thursday 26 February 2015

3.1.1 - Laboratory Activity : The combustion of magnesium in oxygen


Laboratory Activity 3.1.1:
The combustion of magnesium in oxygen
Aim: To study the oxidation of metals by oxygen

Material:
» Magnesium ribbon

Apparatus:
» Tongs
» Asbestos sheet
» Bunsen burner
Procedure:

1. The magnesium ribbon is held using a pair of tongs.
2. The magnesium ribbon is burned in air.
3. The colour of magnesium is recorded.
Observation:

This video shows burning of magnesium ribbon.

The magnesium ribbon burned with shinny white flame producing a white powder.
Analysis:

Half ionic equation:
Mg → Mg2+ + 2e (oxidation → reducing agent: Magnesium metal)
O2 + 4e → 2O2− (reduction → oxidising agent: Oxygen gas)

Overall equation:
2Mg(s) + O2(g) → 2MgO(s)

Observation:
The magnesium ribbon burned with shinny white flame producing a white powder.
Conclusion:

Magnesium combine with oxygen during combustion to form magnesium oxide.


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