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 Magnesium Is 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.
Why Should A Magnesium Ribbon Be Cleaned Before Burning In Air Explain With The Help Of A Balanced Equation For The Same?
Answer : Magnesium ribbon must be cleaned before burning in air so that the layer of magnesium oxide (which is caused by magnesium’s reaction with air) can be removed in order to achieve the desired chemical reaction.