Magnesium Oxide Experiment

Summary

In this experiment, a reaction between magnesium and oxygen is demonstrated to produce magnesium oxide. The materials required include a Bunsen burner, crucible, and magnesium ribbon. The procedure involves cleaning the magnesium ribbon, heating it until it reacts with oxygen, and carefully monitoring the process. After the reaction, the magnesium oxide is weighed along with the crucible and lid. The key steps involve controlling the heat, managing the reaction's oxygen intake, and ensuring the reaction goes to completion. The final result is the mass of magnesium oxide formed after the reaction.

Takeaways

• 😀 The experiment demonstrates the reaction between magnesium and oxygen to form magnesium oxide.
• 😀 Key materials required for the experiment include a tripod, Bunsen burner, steel wool, electronic balance, crucible, and a piece of magnesium ribbon.
• 😀 The experiment starts with setting up the Bunsen burner and heating the crucible and lid for 5 minutes before cooling and weighing them.
• 😀 The mass of the empty crucible and lid is recorded as 34.72 grams before adding magnesium.
• 😀 The magnesium ribbon is cleaned with steel wool to ensure it's free of impurities before weighing.
• 😀 The mass of the magnesium ribbon is measured at 0.31 grams before it is coiled to fit inside the crucible.
• 😀 After coiling, the magnesium ribbon is placed in the crucible, and its combined mass is recorded as 35.04 grams.
• 😀 The crucible with the magnesium ribbon is heated over a Bunsen burner, and oxygen is added by lifting the lid occasionally.
• 😀 Magnesium reacts with oxygen, and the experimenter carefully controls the heating process to prevent excessive magnesium oxide smoke from escaping.
• 😀 After heating for 10 minutes and further 5 minutes to ensure complete reaction, the mass of the crucible, lid, and magnesium oxide is recorded as 35.16 grams.
• 😀 The mass of the magnesium oxide formed during the reaction is calculated to be 0.12 grams by subtracting the initial mass of the crucible and magnesium from the final mass.

Q & A

What is the purpose of this experiment?

The purpose of the experiment is to observe the reaction between magnesium and oxygen to form magnesium oxide, and to analyze the changes in mass during this reaction.

What are the materials required for the experiment?

The materials required are a tripod, Bunsen burner, steel wool, pipe clay triangle, electronic balance, crucible and lid, crucible tongs, and a 20 cm piece of magnesium ribbon.

Why is the magnesium ribbon cleaned with steel wool before the experiment?

The magnesium ribbon is cleaned with steel wool to remove any oxide layer or impurities on the surface, ensuring a pure reaction with oxygen.

What is the mass of the crucible and lid before starting the experiment?

The mass of the crucible and lid before the experiment is 34.72 grams.

How is the magnesium ribbon prepared before placing it in the crucible?

The magnesium ribbon is coiled to fit inside the crucible, and it is weighed to ensure the correct mass is used for the experiment.

What is the mass of the magnesium ribbon used in the experiment?

The mass of the magnesium ribbon used in the experiment is 0.31 grams.

What happens to the magnesium when it is heated in the crucible?

When heated, the magnesium begins to glow as it reacts with oxygen from the air to form magnesium oxide.

Why is the lid placed on the crucible during the heating process?

The lid is placed on the crucible to prevent magnesium oxide smoke from escaping and to ensure the reaction proceeds efficiently by controlling the amount of oxygen entering.

How long is the magnesium heated, and why is it necessary to continue heating after the reaction starts?

The magnesium is heated for about 10 minutes initially, and then for an additional 5 minutes to ensure the complete reaction of magnesium with oxygen and the formation of magnesium oxide.

What is the final mass of the crucible, lid, and magnesium oxide?

The final mass of the crucible, lid, and magnesium oxide is 35.16 grams.

What does the increase in mass during the experiment indicate?

The increase in mass indicates that oxygen from the air has combined with magnesium to form magnesium oxide, which explains the mass gain.