A07 Reaction of Magnesium with Air

Description
A magnesium ribbon is burned in air to display the intense light given off by this reaction. The ribbon clearly ignites at the edge of the gas flame where oxidizing conditions are best.

Equation
2 Mg + O₂--> 2 MgO

Reference
B. Z. Shakhashiri, "Chemical Demonstrations", Vol. 1, The University of Wisconsin Press, Madison ,Wisconsin, (1983) p. 38.