Question

What is the action of air on sodium and magnesium​

Answer 1

Explanation:

Sodium is ordinarily quite reactive with air, and the reactivity is a function of the relative humidity, or water-vapour content of the air. ... In ordinary air, sodium metal reacts to form a sodium hydroxide film, which can rapidly absorb carbon dioxide from the air, forming sodium bicarbonate

The burning of magnesium in air produces intense heat which can cause burns and initiate combustion in flammable materials. Since a carbon dioxide fire extinguisher will not extinguish burning magnesium, a dry-powder extinguisher must be used

Answer 2

In ordinary air, sodium metal reacts to form a sodium hydroxide film, which can rapidly absorb carbon dioxide from the air, forming sodium bicarbonate. Magnesium burns in air and produces a white powder of magnesium oxide.