Question

Translate the following statement into chemical equation and then balance it.
" A metal in the form of ribbon burns with a dazzling white flame and changes into a white powder"

Answer 1

The ribbon is made of magnesium.
The equation - Mg + O2 - MgO
The balance equation - 2Mg + O2 - 2MgO

Answer 2

The metal which burns in the form of "dazzling white flame" and change into a white powder is magnesium. Metals are most reactive elements. "Alkali and alkaline earth metals" are most reactive metals as they can even react with atmospheric oxygen and moisture also.

When magnesium burns, it burns in white color and forms magnesium oxide as white powder.  

The balance chemical equation is given below:

$\bold{2 \mathrm{Mg}(\mathrm{s})+\mathrm{O}_{2}(\mathrm{g}) \rightarrow 2 \mathrm{MgO}(\mathrm{s})}$