Question

When Magnesium ribbon burns in air or oxygen, a product is formed. State the type of chemical reaction and name the product formed in the reaction. Write a balanced chemical equation of this reaction.

Answer 1

Hint: In the presence of air or oxygen, oxidation of magnesium will occur. To form the formula of product, check the no. of electrons each species gains or loss. To balance the equation, equalize the no. of atoms on both sides of the reaction.

Complete step by step answer:
-Magnesium ribbon is magnesium in the form of thin wire. When magnesium ribbon is burned in the presence of oxygen or air, it burns with a very bright, dazzling white light. This happens due to oxidation of magnesium. Let us answer each question one by one.
-Type of chemical reaction:
This is a type of combination reaction. When two or more than two reactants react together to form a single product, that type of reaction is known as combination reaction. In the above question, magnesium and oxygen react to form a single compound that is magnesium oxide.
-Moreover, the above reaction is an exothermic reaction because heat is released during the process of reaction.
Name of the product formed:
The product formed as a result of oxidation is magnesium oxide $$\text{MgO}$$. Magnesium loses two electrons to gain octet and oxygen needs 2 electrons to complete its octet. Magnesium will lose electrons and oxygen will gain two electrons to form the above compound.
Balanced chemical equation:
$$\text{2Mg + }{\text{O}}_2\to \text{ 2MgO}$$
Since oxygen always occurs as a diatomic molecule, we need to take 2 atoms of magnesium and consequently two moles of magnesium oxide is formed.

Note:
Magnesium occurs as a mineral in natural form. It is a very important mineral for the human body. Its oxide, which is magnesium oxide, is used for many purposes. It is used as an antacid and in various food supplements. It is used in wastewater treatment plants to maintain soil as it is basic in nature. Metal oxides especially those of alkali and alkaline earth metals are basic in nature.