Because Magnesium, like other highly reactive metals, is much more easily oxidized than most fuels for fires.
The Magnesium can essentially "steal" oxygen from the carbon dioxide
CO2 + 2Mg --> 2MgO + C
This is because once the magnesium starts to burn, the uninhibited chemical reaction dominates the fire's need for oxygen (carbon dioxide usually puts fires out by displacing oxygen). The magnesium will continue to burn until there is nothing left to burn.
fire extinguisher
Magnesium burns in carbon dioxide because, when heated, the oxygen in the carbon dioxide is able to bond with magnesium and produce an oxide. Carbon, or soot is formed as a resulting by-product. 2Mg + CO2 ----> 2MgO + C
The first carbon dioxide portable fire extinguisher in the USA was made by Walter Kidde & Co., Inc. in 1924.
why should uou not touch the horn or pipe when using carbon dioxide extinguisher
Carbon dioxide
Carbon Dioxide
When carbon dioxide gas is blown into a solution of magnesium oxide, it will form magnesium carbonate as a product. This reaction involves the carbon dioxide reacting with the magnesium oxide to form the magnesium carbonate.
It is the propellant used to force water out of the extinguisher.
Magnesium will actually decompose when heated to form magnesium oxide and carbon dioxide. This is a common chemical reaction where magnesium reacts with oxygen from the air to form magnesium oxide, and if there is any carbon present, it can also react to form carbon dioxide.
It doesn't. The soda solution mixes with the acid and the chemical reaction FORMS carbon dioxide gas, which pressurizes the extinguisher.
The thermal decomposition of magnesium carbonate results in the formation of magnesium oxide and carbon dioxide. When heated, magnesium carbonate breaks down into these two products, leaving behind the solid magnesium oxide while releasing the gas carbon dioxide.