Was the property displayed by the magnesium a chemical or physical property?

Answer 1

Magnesium

1. gray-white light-weight metal.
2. two-thirds the density of aluminium.
3. It tarnishes slightly when exposed to air, although, unlike the other alkali metals, an oxygen-free environment is unnecessary for storage because magnesium is protected by a thin layer of oxide that is fairly impermeable and difficult to remove.
4. Magnesium reacts with water at room temperature, though it reacts much more slowly than the similar earth alkali metal calcium. When submerged in water, hydrogen bubbles almost unnoticeably begin to form on the surface of the metal-though, if powdered, it reacts much more rapidly. The reaction occurs faster with higher temperatures.
5. Magnesium's ability to react with water can be harnessed to produce energy and run a magnesium-based engine. Magnesium also reacts exothermically with most acids, such as hydrochloric acid (HCl). As with aluminium, zinc, and many other metals, the reaction with HCl produces the chloride of the metal and releases hydrogen gas.

Chemical properties

1. Magnesium is a highly flammable metal, especially when powdered or shaved into thin strips.
2. It is, however, difficult to ignite in mass or bulk. Once ignited, it is difficult to extinguish, being able to burn in nitrogen (forming magnesium nitride), carbon dioxide(forming magnesium oxide, and carbon) and water (forming magnesium oxide and hydrogen). This property was used in incendiary weapons used in the firebombing of cities in World War II, the only practical civil defense being to smother a burning flare under dry sand to exclude the atmosphere.
3. On burning in air, magnesium produces a brilliant-white light that includes strong ultraviolet. Thus, magnesium powder (flash powder) was used as a source of illumination in the early days of Photography. Later, magnesium ribbon was used in electrically ignited flashbulbs.
4. Magnesium powder is used in the manufacture of fireworks and marine flares where a brilliant white light is required.
5. Flame temperatures of magnesium and magnesium alloys can reach 3,100 °C (3,370 K; 5,610 °F),although flame height above the burning metal is usually less than 300 mm (12 in).
6. Magnesium may be used as an ignition source for thermite, a mixture of aluminium and iron oxide powder that is otherwise difficult to ignite.

Answer 2

Magnesium is so active that it is always covered with thin oxide. Otherwise

it would burn aggresively...

Answer 3

its very flammable and it will bubble when put into water

Answer 4

magnesium is very reactive & forms basic solutions [pH above 7]

Answer 5

Magnesium Tends to for +2 compunds and is reactive

Answer 6

Looks like you have your terms and definitions tangled. Magnesium is an element, one which has various chemical and physical properties. See related questions below.

Answer 7

I wasn't there, so I don't know.