A chemical reaction - An investigation into the burning of magnesium in air

Equipment
crucible + lid
bunsen burner
heatproof mat
strip of magnesium ribbon

tripod
gauze
tongs

Diagram - complete and label the diagram of the apparatus.

Burning magnesium in air

Method

Place the strip of magnesium ribbon into the crucible and put on the lid

Using the electronic scales, weigh the crucible (including the lid) and magnesium and record
the mass in the table over the page
Heat the crucible strongly for about 5 minutes. Once the magnesium begins burning, you can
briefly lift the lid of the crucible to observe the reaction that is occurring.
(BE CAREFUL - do NOT stare directly at the magnesium as it is burning and do NOT touch the

crucible, lid or gauze with your hands - they will be very hot).
Turn off the Bunsen burner and leave the crucible for 10 - 15 minutes to cool
While you are waiting for the crucible to cool down, try to answer the following questions:

1. What was the appearance of the magnesium before it was burned?

2. What is the appearance of the magnesium after it has been burned?

3. Do you think you still have pure magnesium in the crucible? Explain your answer.

When the crucible has cooled down, weigh the crucible again (remember to include the lid)
and record the mass into the table below

Table to show the mass (in grammes) of the crucible before and after burning the magnesium:

Mass of crucible before burning (g)

Mass of crucible after burning (g)

Now answer the following questions:

4. Has the mass (weight) of the crucible gone up (increased) or gone down (decreased?)

5. The magnesium has reacted with another element to form a compound. What element do you think
it has reacted with? (Hint: we did not add any other element so it must be something in the air . . . . . )

6. If a reaction has taken place, how does this allow you to explain the change in mass?

7. Complete the equation for the reaction

magnesium

magnesium

8. Complete the diagram to show how you think the particles change in the reaction: