Question

Magnesium ribbon on burning in air produces:
a.) Magnesium oxide, water and light
b.) Magnesium oxide and heat
c.) Magnesium oxide, heat and light
d.) Magnesium oxide, water and heat

Answer 1

Hint: Magnesium ribbon is a type of magnesium only. It reacts violently with water so the reaction of magnesium ribbon with water is avoidable. Magnesium ribbon on burning in air is an exothermic reaction.

Complete step by step answer:
Firstly, let us know about the magnesium. It is a metal with the atomic number 12, and is placed in Group 2 of periodic table.
We can say that when the magnesium is in its metal form, it will easily burn in air, i.e. a rapid reaction.
As we know some source of energy is required to proceed the reaction, thus the flame acts as a source.
So, when the magnesium metal burns, it shows reaction with the oxygen that is found in air.
Thus, after it starts burning, it forms a white powdery compound named magnesium oxide.
In this chemical reaction, there is a release of energy (heat), we can say it is an exothermic reaction.
The chemical reaction can be written as:
2Mg$(s)$+O$_2$ $\rightarrow$ 2MgO$(s)$ + energy
So, we can conclude that magnesium burning in air produces magnesium oxide, heat, and light. Thus, the correct option is C.

Note: Be careful while performing this reaction. Don’t get confused between the magnesium ribbon and magnesium metal. Magnesium will react with oxygen and carbon dioxide, but both reacts separately, and the product formed by carbon-dioxide is not used further.