Question

when a magnesium ribbon is burnt in air, what are the two observations that you make?

Answer 1

When magnesium ribbon burns in air and forms magnesium oxide and lot of heat is produced.
2Mg +O2 --->2MgO + Q

From the above reaction, we can conclude that :
1. It is an exothermic reaction .
2. The magnesium oxide is basic in nature which can be tested by litmus test.
MgO+H2O ---> Mg(OH)2 
Litmus test : red litmus will turn to blue
All Metallic oxides are basic in nature.