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Activity 1.1 — Burning Magnesium Ribbon
NCERT Activity 1.1: Hold a magnesium ribbon with tongs, ignite it over a burner, and observe the dazzling white flame and the white ash (MgO) formed.
How To Perform
1
Clean the Ribbon
Use sandpaper to remove the dull oxide coating until the ribbon is shiny silver.
2
Hold with Tongs
Pick up the clean ribbon with a pair of tongs. Never use bare fingers — magnesium burns at ~3100°C.
3
Ignite over Burner
Bring the ribbon to the burner flame. The ribbon ignites with a dazzling white light.
4
Observe & Classify
Note the white ash (MgO) left behind, then classify the reaction type.
⚠️ Safety Notes
- •Hold the magnesium ribbon with tongs, never with bare fingers.
- •Do NOT look directly at the burning magnesium — the brilliant white flame can permanently damage your eyes.
- •Perform the activity in a well-ventilated laboratory.
- •Keep a watch-glass or sand-tray underneath to catch any falling ash.