Question

A thin ribbon of magnesium burns in the air creating a really bright light. When it is finished burning, there is only a powder white substance in its place. Which option best explains where the white powder came from?
A. a magnesium ribbon disappeared leaving instead an ash left over from burning that was white and powdery (instead of dark grey like a piece of wood burning).

B. the white powder is a combination of magnesium and something in the air.

C. the white powder atoms were the magnesium ribbon changing into a different element.

D. the white powder atoms came from the atmosphere originally.

Answer 1

The B) the white powder is a combination of magnesium and something in the air option best explains where the white powder came from. The thin ribbon of magnesium creates energy and magnesium oxide when it burned in the air and the white powder stated above is the magnesium oxide. This reaction is an example of exothermic reaction