Question

Why should a magnesium ribbon be cleaned before burning in air?
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Answer 1

Answer:

Magnesium ribbon should be cleaned with sandpaper before burning in the air. To remove the Magnesium oxide layer from the ribbon which may prevent or slow down the burning of magnesium ribbon. Unwanted impurities deposited on the magnesium ribbon can be removed and only pure magnesium can be used for the reaction.

Explanation:

Answer 2

Answer:

Magnesium ribbon should be cleaned before burning in air because Magnesium metal reacts with the atmospheric oxygen and forms Magnesium Oxide (MgO) layer which is a very stable compound. In order to prevent further reactions with Oxygen, it is therefore necessary to clean the ribbon by to remove the layer of MgO.