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

When magnesium ribbon (Mg) is burnt in air, it reacts with oxygen (O₂) to form magnesium oxide (MgO). The chemical equation for this reaction is:

2 Mg(s) + O₂(g) → 2 MgO(s)

The ash produced in this reaction is magnesium oxide (MgO), which is a white solid.

This reaction is an example of a synthesis or combination reaction. In a synthesis reaction, two or more substances combine to form a single product. In this case, magnesium (Mg) and oxygen (O₂) combine to form magnesium oxide (MgO).