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Question

Consider the  following  statements  regarding burning of magnesium ribbon  in air :

1. White powder of MgO is formed.

2.  It is an example of combustion reaction.

3. Heat and light are produced.

Which of the statements given above are correct?

This question was previously asked in
CDS I 2023 English Previous Year Paper (16-April-2023)
The correct answer is 1, 2 and 3

Understanding the Burning of Magnesium Ribbon

When a magnesium ribbon is ignited and burned in air, it undergoes a chemical reaction. Air primarily contains nitrogen and oxygen. Magnesium reacts vigorously with oxygen and also, to some extent, with nitrogen.

Analysis of Statements on Burning Magnesium

Let's carefully examine each statement provided about the burning of magnesium ribbon in air:

  1. Statement 1: White powder of MgO is formed.

    Magnesium reacts with oxygen in the air to form magnesium oxide. The chemical equation for this reaction is:

    \(\text{2Mg(s)} + \text{O}_2\text{(g)} \rightarrow \text{2MgO(s)}\)

    Magnesium oxide (\(\text{MgO}\)) is a white solid powder. While magnesium also reacts with nitrogen in the air to form magnesium nitride (\(\text{Mg}_3\text{N}_2\)), which is yellowish, the primary product when burned in excess air is magnesium oxide, which appears as a white powder. Therefore, this statement is correct.

  2. Statement 2: It is an example of combustion reaction.

    Combustion is a high-temperature exothermic redox chemical reaction between a substance and an oxidant, usually atmospheric oxygen, that produces oxidized, often gaseous products, in a mixture called smoke. Combustion typically produces heat and light. The burning of magnesium in air fits this description perfectly. Magnesium reacts rapidly with oxygen, releasing significant energy in the form of heat and light. Thus, it is classified as a combustion reaction. This statement is correct.

  3. Statement 3: Heat and light are produced.

    As a characteristic of combustion reactions, the burning of magnesium is highly exothermic. This means it releases energy. This energy is released in the form of intense heat and a very bright white light. This is clearly observable during the experiment of burning a magnesium ribbon. This statement is correct.

Conclusion on Magnesium Burning Statements

Based on the analysis, all three statements accurately describe the process of burning magnesium ribbon in air. A white powder (mainly magnesium oxide) is formed, the reaction is a classic example of combustion, and it produces a significant amount of heat and light.

Summary of Findings

Here is a quick summary of the statements:

Statement Description Correctness
1 White powder of MgO is formed Correct
2 Example of combustion reaction Correct
3 Heat and light are produced Correct

Since statements 1, 2, and 3 are all correct, the option that includes all three statements is the correct answer.

Revision Table: Burning Magnesium Key Points

Aspect Description
Reactants Magnesium (Mg) and Oxygen (\(\text{O}_2\)) from air
Main Product Magnesium Oxide (MgO)
Appearance of Product White powder
Reaction Type Combustion, Exothermic, Combination
Energy Output Heat and very bright white Light

Additional Information: Types of Chemical Reactions

The burning of magnesium is a type of chemical reaction. Chemical reactions can be classified in various ways. Here are a few relevant classifications:

  • Combustion Reaction: A reaction between a substance and an oxidant, usually oxygen, to produce heat and light.
  • Combination Reaction: A reaction where two or more reactants combine to form a single product. In the case of magnesium burning, magnesium combines with oxygen to form magnesium oxide (\(\text{2Mg} + \text{O}_2 \rightarrow \text{2MgO}\)). It also combines with nitrogen to form magnesium nitride (\(\text{3Mg} + \text{N}_2 \rightarrow \text{Mg}_3\text{N}_2\)).
  • Redox Reaction: A reaction involving the transfer of electrons. Magnesium loses electrons (oxidation), and oxygen gains electrons (reduction).
  • Exothermic Reaction: A reaction that releases energy in the form of heat and light. Burning magnesium is a highly exothermic process.

Understanding these classifications helps in predicting the products and characteristics of chemical reactions.

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Similar Questions

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  3. Which one of the following does NOT form oxide on reaction with oxygen?

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Important Questions from Chemical Reaction

  1. Which of the following statement is/are true?

    I. In physical change new substance is formed. substance is formed.

    II. In chemical change no new substance is formed.

  2. Which of the following cells involves similar chemical reactions?

  3. The information not obtained from balanced chemical equation is

  4. Oxygen cannot be obtained by which one of the following methods?

  5. Which is the most reactive metal?

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