Question 1 Page 6 - Chapter 1 Class 10 - Chemical Reactions and Equations

Why should a magnesium ribbon be cleaned before burning in air?

Answer

• Magnesium is a highly reactive element
• When kept open in the air, it reacts with the atmospheric oxygen to form Magnesium Oxide (MgO)
• The MgO layer does not burn or slows down the burning process and thus should be removed
• So the Magnesium ribbon should be cleaned with a sandpaper before burning to prevent the impurities deposited on the Magnesium ribbon from interfering in the reaction
• When cleaned, only pure Magnesium is present and burns in air with a dazzling flame