Burning of Magnesium Ribbon – Class 10 Science Experiment RBSE

The burning of magnesium ribbon experiment is one of the most important activities in class 10 Science practical prescribed by RBSE and based on the chapter chemical reactions and equations

In this experiment, a clean magnesium ribbon is heated in air where it burns with white dazzling flame and forms a white ash of magnesium oxide

This experiment helps students understand how metals react with oxygen.

Experiment No - 1- Burning of Magnesium Ribbon in air 

Objective

To burn magnesium ribbon in air and observe the formation of magnesium oxide

Materials/Apparatus

   1. Magnesium ribbon

   2. Sand paper

   3. Tongs

   4. Burner/spirit lamp

   5. Watch glass

   6. Safety goggles

Theory

Magnesium is a highly reactive metal. When it is heated in air, it reacts with oxygen to form magnesium oxide. This reaction produces heat and a bright white light and is an example of combination reaction and exothermic reaction.

Procedure

You should follow these steps to perform this experiment:

   1. Take 3-4 cm long magnesium ribbon

   2. Clean it with sandpaper to remove the oxide layer.

   3. Hold the ribbon with the help of tongs

   4. Burn it over the flame of a burner or spirit lamp.

   5. Collect the white ash in watch glass.

   6. Record the observation in file.

Observation

·     Magnesium burns with a dazzling white flame.

·     A white powdery ash is formed.

·     Heat and bright light are produced during the reaction.

Chemical Equation

2Mg + O₂ →2MgO

Result

Magnesium reacts with oxygen present in the air to form magnesium oxide (MgO), a white powder.

Precautions

   ·     Clean the ribbon before burning.

   ·     Use tongs to hold the ribbon

   ·     Do not look directly at the bright flame

   ·     Wear safety googles during the experiment.

Viva Questions

Q1. Why is magnesium ribbon cleaned before burning?

Q2. What is the colour of magnesium oxide?

Q3. Name the type of reaction involved.

Q4. Why should we not look directly at the burning magnesium?

Q5. Write the balanced chemical equation for this reaction in the experiment.

Viva Answers

   1. Magnesium ribbon is cleaned to remove the thin layer of magnesium oxide present on its surface so that it burns easily.

   2. Magnesium oxide is white in colour.

   3. It is a combination, oxidation and exothermic reaction.

   4. Because the bright white flame can harm our eyes.

   

   5. 2Mg + O₂ →2MgO