What is observed when magnesium burns in air

Is fireworks your favorite part of the holiday? Well, it is my favorite part. Remember that you should not play with fireworks unless an adult is with you. When magnesium is in its metal form it will burn very easily in air. However, in order to start the reaction the burning the magnesium metal needs a source of energy. The flame provides a source of heat so that the magnesium metal atoms can overcome their activation energy. Activation energy is the minimum energy required in order for a chemical reaction to proceed.

When the magnesium metal burns it reacts with oxygen found in the air to form Magnesium Oxide, which is a compound. Password and Confirm password must match. If you have an ACS member number, please enter it here so we can link this account to your membership.

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When magnesium reacts with oxygen, it produces light bright enough to blind you temporarily. Magnesium burns so bright because the reaction releases a lot of heat. As a result of this exothermic reaction, magnesium gives two electrons to oxygen, forming powdery magnesium oxide MgO. In the sequence shown here, a person places a piece of magnesium metal in an alcohol stove flame. As the magnesium starts to burn, the flame is at first a red-orange, and then turns bright white as the flame reaches its full temperature in the bottom right panel.

Do science. Take pictures. Win money. Enter our photo contest here. In addition to being extremely bright, burning magnesium produces some ultraviolet light; avoid looking directly at it.

The burning magnesium is very hot; do not touch it or let it come in contact with other flammable materials. Since magnesium burns in the presence of carbon dioxide, a CO2 fire extinguisher does not put out the flame from burning magnesium; a dry-chemical fire extinguisher must be used instead.

Magnesium in air: Bassam Z. Madison: The University of Wisconsin Press, , p. Magnesium in carbon dioxide: Lee R.