Question

Why the magnesium ribbon rubbed with sandpaper before burning?

Answer 1

Question:-

Why the magnesium ribbon rubbed with sandpaper before burning?

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Magnesium react with oxygen to form magnesium oxide, which does not burn. So to remove this oxide layer Magnesium ribbon is cleaned with sand paper before burning.

Magnesium is a very reactive metal when stored it reacts with oxygen to form a layer of magnesium oxide on its surface this layer of magnesium oxide is quite stable and prevents further reaction of magnesium with oxygen the magnesium ribbon is cleaned by sand paper for removing this layer so that the underlying metal can be exposed to air.

hope it helps you.

Answer 2

Answer :

Magnesium is a highly reactive metal. When exposed to air for a long time it gets coated with the layer of oxide which is physically and mentally stable and therefore, partly masks the reactivity of magnesium. The oxide coating does not burn when a flame is brought in contact with the metal. Therefore, the surface should be cleaned, with a sandpaper before burning the magnesium ribbon in air.