When a magnesium strip is ignited it burns with a brilliant white light, forming a bright white powder, magnesium oxide.
Curriculum Notes
This classic demonstration can be used to illustrate combustion, a combination reaction, a formation reaction, a redox reaction, or an exothermic reaction. Allow about 5 minutes for this demo.
One day of lead time is required for this project.
Equipment
- 6-8 cm magnesium strip
- propane torch and igniter
- ring stand
- ring stand clamp
- large forceps
- large watch glass
- polycarbonate blast shield
- polycarbonate goggles
Procedure
- Clamp the magnesium ribbon by holding it with the forceps and clamping it with the ring stand clamp.
- Attach to the ring stand.
- Place the watch galss under the magnesium to catch the magnesium oxide that is formed.
- Place the blast shield in front of the magnesium.
- Ignite the magnesium with the propane torch.
- The magnesium oxide that forms may be displayed to the class.
Safety Notes
Keep a small container of dry sand nearby to extinguish any burning magnesium. Keep a fire extinguisher nearby to extinguish any secondary fires. Keep all flammable material at a safe distance. Burning magnesium emits ultraviolet light. Polycarbonate blocks ultraviolet light, so use the polycarbonate blast shield to protect the students' eyes and the demonstrator should wear polycarbonate goggles.