Question

A magnesium ribbon is burnt in oxygen to give white compound X accompanied by emission of light. If the burning ribbon is now placed in an atmosphere of nitrogen, it continues to burn and forms a compound Y.
i. Write the chemical formulae of X and Y.
ii. Write a balanced chemical equation, when X is dissolved in water.

Answer 1

i. When magnesium ribbon is burnt in oxygen, it forms magnesium oxide with emission of light and heat energy.

Chemical formula of compound X is MgO.
If the burning ribbon is placed in nitrogen gas chamber, magnesium reacts with nitrogen and forms magnesium nitride (Mg₃N₂).

ii. If magnesium oxide is dissolved in water, it forms magnesium hydroxide.