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Burning magnesium

A metal that burns with blinding white light, and the basic oxide it leaves behind.

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What you do

1. Add a magnesium ribbon to the evaporating dish.
2. Heat the dish strongly (speed ×5 helps) until the magnesium catches fire.
3. When it has burnt out, stop heating and add 10 mL of distilled water to the white ash.
4. Add universal indicator. Is magnesium oxide acidic or basic?

Safety in a real lab

⚠ Never look straight at burning magnesium — the light contains UV. Use tongs and a heat-proof mat.

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