The magnesium ribbon is cleaned by rubbing with sandpaper before burning in the air. This is done to remove the protective layer of basic magnesium carbonate (Mg(CO3)2) from the ribbon’s surface. Impurities that have arisen as a result of the air’s reaction will be removed by cleaning. Magnerol ribbons should be cleaned before using it due to their high reactivity. It reacts with oxygen from a layer of magnesium oxide on its surface, which may prevent or slow down the burning of magnets. The metal is a very flammable metal and will react with the airborne gases.
Why Do We Clean Magnesium Ribbon – Answer & Related Questions
Magnesium ribbon should be cleaned before burning in air because Magnesium metal reacts with oxygen-rich air and creates a very stable compound, i.e. Magnesium Oxide (MgO). It is therefore necessary to clean the ribbon to remove the layer of MgO in order to prevent further reactions with Oxygen.