Question

why is a magnessium ribbon rubbed with sand paper before burning it in air

Answer 1

Hey user...


magnesium ribbon reacts with CO2 present in air to form a protective and inert layer of magnesium carbonate .this layer is unreactive and hence needs to be cleaned with Sandpaper before burning in air .


hope u understand

Answer 2

Magnesium ribbon is rubbed with sand paper before burning it in the air because the magnesium ribbon which we use usually has a coating of a white layer of magnesium oxides on its surface. It is formed by the slow reaction of moist air on it. This hinders the burning of magnesium. So,This layer is removed by rubbing with sand paper before burning.


Hope it helped u.