Question

why should magnesium ribbon be cleaned before burning in air​

Answer 1

Step-by-step explanation:

• Magnesium is a very reactive metal so it reacts with oxygen to form a layer of magnesium oxide on its surface.

• This layer is stable oxide so prevent further reaction of magnesium with oxygen.
• To remove this layer a magnesium ribbon is cleaned using sandpaper before burning in air

Answer 2

Magnesium ribbon is cleaned before burning to remove the protective layer of basic magnesium carbonate from the surface of magnesium ribbon.