Question

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

Answer 1

Answer: Magnesium ribbon must be cleaned before burning in air so that the layer of magnesium oxide (which is formed due to reaction of magnesium with air) can be removed in order to get the desired chemical reaction

Answer 2

We have been given a question and we need to answer it correctly.

The question given to us is that why is the magnesium ribbon cleaned before burning.

The answer to the question is that it is cleaned so as to remove the oxide layer, the presence of which can slow down the process of oxidation. If the layer is removed, the burning happens instantly.