Question

A metal ‘X’ burns in air with white dazzling flame and forms a white powder ‘Y’.

(a) Identify ‘X’ and ‘Y’.

(b) Mention the nature of ‘Y’. How will you test the nature of the substance

obtained on burning of metal?​

Answer 1

Answer:

a) The metal 'X' is Magnesium (Mg) and the white powder 'Y' is Magnesium oxide (MgO).

b)The nature of the substance 'Y' i.e Magnesium oxide(MgO) is Basic in nature.

We can test the nature of  Magnesium oxide (MgO) by simply performing a litmus test .

Aqueous solution of  Magnesium oxide (MgO) will turn the colour of red litmus paper into blue colour , and it is basic substances that turns red litmus paper into blue colour so we can ensure that Magnesium Oxide (MgO) is basic in nature.

EQUATION OF BURNING OF MAGNESIUM

2Mg + O₂ ​$\longrightarrow$ 2MgO

Extra Bite

✳ Burning of magnesium is an exothermic process as heat is liberated out into the surrounding.