Question

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

Answer 1

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.

Answer 2

Answer:

Magnesium ribbon should be cleaned before burning in air because magnesium reacts with oxygen slowly to form magnesium oxide which prevents the burning of magnesium. The layer of magnesium oxide should be removed by sand paper.