Energy · Grade 9
Burning magnesium
ChemAI · Worksheet
NameClassDate
Aim
A metal that burns with blinding white light, and the basic oxide it leaves behind.
⚠ Never look straight at burning magnesium — the light contains UV. Use tongs and a heat-proof mat.
Before you start: what do you predict will happen? Why?
What you do
| Step | What I observed | |
|---|---|---|
| 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? |
Questions
- Write a word or symbol equation for one reaction you observed.
- Explain your most important observation using particles, ions or energy.
- Was your prediction right? What would you change to get a more reliable result?