Question

What happened when magnesium ribbon burn in air

Answer 1

When a magnesium ribbon burns in air, it undergoes a rapid chemical reaction with both oxygen and nitrogen present in the air. The burning process is highly exothermic, releasing a significant amount of heat and emitting a brilliant white light.

The primary reaction is with oxygen, forming white solid magnesium oxide:

$2Mg(s) + O_2(g) \rightarrow 2MgO(s)$

Magnesium also reacts with nitrogen at the high temperature of the flame to form yellowish solid magnesium nitride:

$3Mg(s) + N_2(g) \rightarrow Mg_3N_2(s)$

The solid product formed is a mixture of white magnesium oxide and yellowish magnesium nitride.

Answer 2

Magnesium reacts with oxygen and nitrogen in the air when heated. The reaction is combustion, producing light and heat. The products are solid magnesium oxide and magnesium nitride.