Question

Why should a magnesium ribbon be cleaned beforeburning in air?

Answer 1

a magnesium ribbon should be cleaned before burning in air to clean the protective layer of magnesium oxide from it which react with nitrogen in air and prevent from burning

Answer 2

♤ When Magnesium ribbon is exposed in the atmosphere it form a layer of magnesium oxide on its surface.

♤ This layer of magnesium oxide is stable compound to prevent further reaction of magnesium with oxygen.

♤ Hence, it should be cleaned before burning in air to remove this layer so that the metal can be exposed to air properly.