Thermochemistry- Burning of Magnesium

Burning of Magnesium

Description: Magnesium ribbon is ignited in a burner flame.

Source: Shakhashiri, B.Z. Chemical Demonstrations: A Handbook for Teachers of Chemistry

Year: 1983 Vol: 1 Page: 38

Keywords: Magnesium, Exothermic, Oxidation, Combustion

Rating:

Hazard: Medium

  • Flammability hazard
  • Burn hazard
  • UV light emitter
  • Self-heating solid
  • Substances that produce flammable gases when wet

Effectiveness: Good

  • Results are clearly observable without guidance
  • Time to results is low
  • High reliability
  • Good connection from demo to course material
  • Clear contrast in systems behavior

Difficulty: Low

  • Simple procedures
  • Simple manipulations for most to perform
  • Use of pyrophoric material
  • Use of open flame

Safety Precautions:

  • High temperature gloves recommended
  • Eye protection required
  • Heat resistant surface required
  • Caution audience about light emitted
  • Sand or Class D fire extinguisher present
  • Tongs required
  • Avoid direct exposure to light
  • Perform in a well-ventilated area

Class: Combustion Reaction, Oxidation Reaction, Thermochemistry, Group II Elements

Division: General