Question

When magnesium ribbon burns in the air and forms a white residue,is magnesium oxidized or reduced?

Answer 1

I think it vets oxidised since air contains o2 and adds up to MG and it becomes MGO. And addition of oxygen means oxidation

Answer 2

Here mg is oxidised as according To the reaction
Mg + o2 gives Mgo
Here oxidation state of Mg changes from 0 to +2

Mg ribbon burn in air with dazzling brilliance and forms a white powder like residue MgO