Question

Why should a magnesium ribbon be cleaned before burning in air? ​

Answer 1

Hey Mate

Here is your answer.

Magnesium is very reactive metal. when stored it reacts with oxygen to form a layer magnesium oxide is quite stable and prevents further reaction of magnesium with oxygen.The magnesium ribbon is cleaned by sand paper to remove this layer so that the underlaying metal can be exposed into air.

Hope it's helpful for you...

Answer 2

Answer:

magnesium ribbon reacts with carbon dioxide present in the air to form a protective and inert layer of magnesium carbonate. This layer is unreactive and hence, needs to be cleaned with sand paper before burning in air.