Question

When a magnesium ribbon is heated, it burns in air to form magnesium oxide. Write a balanced chemical equation for this reaction. Name

1. substance oxidised, and
2. substance reduced.

Answer 1

When magnesium ribbon burns in air, it reacts with oxygen to form magnesium oxide.

\[\ce{2Mg_{(s)} + O2_{(g)} -> 2MgO_{(s)}}\]

1. Magnesium (Mg)
2. Oxygen (O₂)