Question

1.Ahmad took a magnesium ribbon (cleaned) and burned it on a flame. The white powder formed was taken
in a test tube and water was added to it. He then tested the solution formed with red and blue litmus paper.
What change was seen? Why?​

Answer 1

Magnesium is an alkali metal. When it is burnt in air it reacts with oxygen to form magnesium oxide. When water is added to magnesium oxide then it forms magnesium hydroxide. The equation is given below.

2MgO + H2O → 2MgOH

Magnesium hydroxide is alkaline in nature. So the red litmus paper turns blue when it is tested.

Hope it helps

Answer 2

Answer:

Red litmus paper turned blue. Blue litmus paper remained blue.

This is because the magnesium ribbon on burning in air forms the white magnesium oxide. Which dissolved in water, it forms magnesium hydroxide, which is Basic in nature.