If I had a piece of aluminum in one hand and a piece of Magnesium in the other, other than weight, how could I determine which is which? I there a simple test?
2006-11-25 10:45:15 · 5 answers · asked by JackMS. 1 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Chemistry
I don't know if this is simple, but....
You could burn/heat both in separate crucibles. The aluminum would develop a layer of white oxide that only coats the metal, whereas the magnesium would completely turn into a powdery, white oxide.
2006-11-25 10:50:51 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Magnesium will burn if you stick it in a flame . . . and Magnesium will react with water (although slowly). You'll see bubble coming off the Mg.
Both not so with Aluminum.
Get an "A".
2006-11-25 12:53:39 · answer #2 · answered by teachr 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
magnesium burns, aluminum melts.
2006-11-25 10:49:35 · answer #3 · answered by b r 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Drink some Maalox (ma-gnesium al-uminum ox-ide)
2006-11-25 10:49:15 · answer #4 · answered by Lorenzo Steed 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
sparks
2006-11-25 10:48:42 · answer #5 · answered by farmer 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋