Metal + Oxygen ⇾ Metal Oxide
When a substance burns, the burning process is actually a reaction with oxygen. So when you burn something, you are adding oxygen to it.
Making a Metal Oxide
Aim: To make a metal oxide and observe the difference in properties of the product compared to the reactants.
Equipment:
- A piece of magnesium
- Bunsen burner
- Safety glasses
- Metal scissor tongs
Method:
- Light your bunsen burner
- Hold your piece of magnesium in the scissor tongs. Ensure you are holding onto the very tip of the magnesium.
- Place the other end of the magnesium into the Bunsen flame (at the top of the blue flame).
- When the magnesium begins to burn, do not look directly at it, as the light emitted can permanently damage your eyes.
