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The "standard" answer is that if you burn magnesium in air, it will oxidize. The combustion product is magnesium oxide (MgO). But we're not done. It will also combine with nitrogen (air is about 79% nitrogen) to form magnesium nitride (Mg3N2), though it prefers to form the oxide. And yes, magnesium will burn in pure nitrogen. It will also burn in carbon dioxide (CO2) releasing carbon and forming the aforementioned magnesium oxide. Magnesium finds a lot of applications. Only steel and aluminum are more common. For instance, some automotive specialty wheels are fabricated of magnesium alloys (the "mag wheels" of the 60's). Magnesium is difficult to ignite when in the form of, say, a vehicle wheel. But the shavings or the powder can be lit more easily. When they burn, they do so with a brilliant white light. And burning magnesium is difficult to extinguish. Put water on it and it can explode, and it will burn more fiercely in any case. Dry powder or sand should be used to extinguish a magnesium fire. Use the link to one of many YouTube video shorts of a magnesium fire. This one features a firefighter applying water to a burning vehicle without knowing of a certainty what is actually involved. Surprise! Another link is provided to the Wikipedia article on magnesium. Be smart here. Don't be a jackass when conducting any investigations. Think them through and do your homework. The number of "experimenters" who end up in emergency rooms throughout the year is staggering. And some don't get there in one piece. Word to the wise.

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17y ago

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Related Questions

What product is formed on burning magnesium ribbon?

The product of the magnesium burning is magnesium oxide (MgO).


What is the appearance of combustion product of magnesium strip?

When a magnesium strip is burned, it produces a bright white flame and forms magnesium oxide as the primary combustion product. The magnesium oxide appears as a white powdery residue, which can accumulate on surfaces or in the air as white ash. The intense light and heat produced during the combustion can also cause nearby materials to ignite.


What is the product name for magnesium burning?

The product name for magnesium burning is magnesium oxide, which forms when magnesium reacts with oxygen in the air.


Is burning of magnesium combustion or combination?

Burning of magnesium is a chemical reaction known as combustion. Combustion is a process in which a substance reacts rapidly with oxygen, producing heat and light. Magnesium, when burned, reacts with oxygen to form magnesium oxide.


What is the balanced equation for the combustion of magnesium?

The balanced equation for the combustion of magnesium is 2Mg + O2 -> 2MgO.


What is the heat combution of magnesium oxide?

the combustion of magnesium oxide is carbon+sulfur_carbonate sulfur


What type of reaction takes place when a magnesium ribbon is burnt in air?

The reaction that takes place when a magnesium ribbon is burnt in air is a combustion reaction. This reaction produces magnesium oxide as a product, and it is exothermic, releasing heat and light.


Is the chemical reaction for the combustion of magnesium endothermic or exothermic?

The combustion of magnesium is exothermic because it releases heat energy as it reacts with oxygen to form magnesium oxide.


State two observations that can be made from burning magnesium?

It can be observed that magnesium burns in air with a dazzling white flame. A white powder known as magnesium oxide is produced. Magnesium burns in oxygen present in the air to produce magnesium oxide.


What is the product when magnesium reacts with nitrogen?

magnesium nitride, Mg3N2 Please see the link.


Magnesium burning in air is an example of this type of chemical change?

The magnesium burns readily in air to produce a white ash which is magnesium oxide. This is due to the "oxidation" of the metal.


Can a combustion be water?

Water can be a product of combustion.