Question

When magnesium ribbon is burnt in air, an ash of white colour is produced. Write chemical equation for the reaction giving the chemical name of the ash produced. State the type of chemical reaction giving justification for your answer.

Answer 1

Step 1: Reaction of Magnesium Ribbon with Air:
When magnesium ribbon is burnt in air, it reacts with oxygen to form a white ash. The white ash produced is magnesium oxide (MgO).

Step 2: Chemical Equation:
The chemical equation for the reaction is: \[ 2\text{Mg} + \text{O}_2 \rightarrow 2\text{MgO} \] Here, magnesium (Mg) reacts with oxygen (O₂) to form magnesium oxide (MgO), which is a white solid.

Step 3: Chemical Name of the Ash Produced:
The chemical name of the white ash produced is magnesium oxide (MgO).

Step 4: Type of Chemical Reaction:
The type of chemical reaction occurring here is a synthesis reaction (also known as a combination reaction). In a synthesis reaction, two or more reactants combine to form a single product. In this case, magnesium and oxygen combine to form magnesium oxide.

Step 5: Justification:
This is a synthesis reaction because two elements, magnesium and oxygen, combine to form a single compound, magnesium oxide. This type of reaction involves the formation of a new substance from simpler substances.

Step 6: Conclusion:
When magnesium ribbon is burnt in air, it forms magnesium oxide (MgO), which is a white ash. The reaction is a synthesis reaction.