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.

⇲ For exercise(objective and subjective), download for free on Android OS.