i heated some magnesium ribbon, bright light and heat were given off and i was left with a white powder.. i was also told the product was a base. what does that mean?
2006-10-12 05:57:01 · 3 answers · asked by Anonymous in Science & Mathematics ➔ Chemistry
The chemical reaction which occurs is:
2 Mg (s) + O2 (g) --> 2 MgO (s)
2 moles of Magnesium metal react with 1 mole of Oxygen gas to form 2 moles of Magnesium Oxide.
Metal Oxides (such as MgO) act as bases in chemical reactions with acids.
MgO will react with a generic acid (HA) in the following form,
MgO + 2HA --> H2O + MgA2
Where HA is some monoprotic acid with an arbitrary anion (A).
For example, the acid could be Hydrochloric acid, HCl,
MgO + 2HCl --> H2O + MgCl2
The reaction between a base and an acid produces water and a salt.
2006-10-12 06:11:49 · answer #1 · answered by mrjeffy321 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Oh, simple.
When the magnesiym ribbon was heated,
combustion took place with the oxygen present in the air,
to give rise to the white powder, which is magnesium oxide.
It is a basic oxide,
meaning it forms a base when dissolved in water.
Thus, if it was mixed with an acid,
a salt,
as well as water would result.
The process in which an acid reacts with a base is known as neutralisation.
2006-10-12 12:59:14 · answer #2 · answered by chemistry_freako 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
there is acid or alkali (base)
alkali = base
so, the prouct formed is magnesium oxide. this is alkaline/base, as when u mix it with water, it will form the base molecule OH, which is hydroxide, ie alkaline...
i think...lol dammit, forgetting my chemistry here....
2006-10-12 13:08:22 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋