Why does magnesium ribbon start floating in hot air?

Open in App

Solution

Magnesium reacts with water to form magnesium hydroxide and hydrogen gas as:
$M g + 2 H_{2} O \to M g (O H)_{2} + H_{2}$
The hydrogen gas evolved due to this reaction sticks on the surface of magnesium ribbon making it float in hot water.

Suggest Corrections

Similar questions

Why should magnesium ribbon be cleaned before burning in air ?

Why does magnesium powder reacts much more rapidly than magnesium ribbon with dilute sulphuric acid

Why should a magnesium ribbon be cleaned before it is burnt in air?

Join BYJU'S Learning Program