Magnesium is a very receptive metal. When it is kept in the open air, it will react with the gases present in air. Impurities that have arisen as a result of the air’s reaction will be removed by cleaning. On the ribbon’s surface, an oxide coating is applied, which makes the fabric white. The reaction of the oxygen-rich air and the ribbon is converted into magnesium oxide. The magnesium ribbons are now white due to the coating. This is why keeping a magnesium ribbon in contact with the air for ten years is so critical.
Why Is Magnesium Cleaned Before Burning – 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.