Question

*A fresh magnesium ribbon loses its luster when it kept exposed in the air for some days.
question 1. what is the reason for this?
question 2. write the balanced chemical equation of this reaction? ​

Answer 1

To explain:

• Why afresh magnesium ribbon loses its lustre when kept exposed in air for some days?

• Balanced chemical equation for this reaction.

Solution:

• A Magnesium ribbon when kept in air for some days loses its brightness, shine and luster because the pure Magnesium metal reacts with atmospheric oxygen to form a layer of basic magnesium oxide.

• This layer covers the inner, pure magnesium metal.

• Hence the metal looks dull.

Balanced Equation:

$\boxed{\sf{2Mg + O_{2}\longrightarrow 2MgO}}$

• That is the reason , why it is recommended to clean and rub an exposed magnesium metal before burning.

Hope It Helps.