When magnesium burns air what substance is formed?

Answer 1

When magnesium ribbon is burnt in air, magnesium oxide is the main product. Equation 1

Eqn 1. 2Mg + O2 -----> 2MgO

However, as there are traces of moisture in the air, a small amount gets converted to magnesium hydroxide Equation 2.

Eqn 2. MgO + H2O -----> Mg(OH)2

And finally, because of the high temperatures involved the magnesium can also react with the nitrogen in the air to form traces of magnesium nitride equation 3.

Eqn 3. 3Mg + N2 -----> Mg3N2

To reiterate, magnesium oxide is by far the greatest product.

Answer 2

2Mg(s) + O2(g) --> 2MgO(s)

The high temperatures reached during the combustion also allow small amounts of magnesium to react with nitrogen in the air, producing magnesium nitride:

3Mg(s) + N2(g) --> 2Mg3N2(s)
Magnesium also burns in an environment of carbon dioxide such as in a beaker full of dry ice:

2Mg(s) + CO2(g) --> 2MgO(s) + C(s)
Magnesium is used in disposable flash bulbs to generate light for Photography, but this use has been largely supplanted by other sources of illumination.

Answer 3

Magnesium oxide is formed. It appears as a white powder. The reaction takes place according to the following chemical equation:

2Mg(s) + O2(g) → 2MgO(s)

The magnesium reacts with oxygen in air, and in the process a bright white light is produced.

Answer 4

Magnesium Oxide Magnesium Oxide