Question

Before burning in air, is the magnesium ribbon cleaned with sand paper to remove the carbonate and the oxide layer?

Answer 1

Answer:

The magnesium ribbon should be cleaned before burning in the air because the layer of magnesium oxide (which is formed due to the reaction of magnesium with air ) can be removed in order to get the desired chemical reaction. Also in order to remove the oxide layer, the presence of which slowdowns the oxidation process.

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Answer 2

Answer :

Magnesium is a highly reactive metal. When exposed to air for a long time it gets coated with the layer of oxide which is physically and mentally stable and therefore, partly masks the reactivity of magnesium. The oxide coating does not burn when a flame is brought in contact with the metal. Therefore, the surface should be cleaned, with a sandpaper before burning the magnesium ribbon in air.