Question

Classify the process of burning magnesium ribbon in the air as an exothermic or endothermic process.

Answer 1

The reaction between magnesium ribbon Mg and oxygen O2 to form magnesium oxide ‘MgO’ is a type of combination reaction as here two reactants are combining together to form a single product. The reaction involved is:

$2\mathrm{Mg}\left(s\right)+O_2\left(g\right)🡪2\mathrm{MgO}\left(s\right)$

The magnesium ribbon burns with a dazzling white flame and changes into a white powder along with the evolution of heat. Hence, this reaction/process is exothermic in nature.