Litmus test for Magnesium in ACIDS AND BASES – Class 7 Science Experiment
Chapter Name: ACIDS AND BASES
Activity Name: Litmus test for Magnesium in ACIDS AND BASES
Activity Description:
In this experiment, we will burn a small piece of Magnesium ribbon to produce Magnesium oxide. The resulting white ash will be dissolved in water to form a solution.
We will then use blue litmus and red litmus to test the nature of the solution.
Required Items:
- Magnesium ribbon
- Tongs
- Bunsen burner or any suitable heat source
- Water
- Blue litmus paper
- Red litmus paper
Step by Step Procedure:
- Using tongs, hold a small piece of Magnesium ribbon over the flame of a Bunsen burner or any suitable heat source.
- Observe as the Magnesium ribbon burns and forms white ash, which is Magnesium oxide.
- Once the Magnesium has burnt completely, carefully collect the white ash in a container.
- Add a small amount of water to the container and stir to dissolve the Magnesium oxide in the water, forming a solution.
- Take a blue litmus paper and touch it to the solution. Note any color change that occurs on the litmus paper.
- Take a red litmus paper and touch it to the solution. Again, note any color change that occurs on the litmus paper.
Experiment Observations:
- The Magnesium ribbon burns in the flame, producing white ash, which is Magnesium oxide.
- When Magnesium oxide is dissolved in water, it forms a solution.
- When blue litmus paper is dipped into the solution, it may turn red or remain blue.
- When red litmus paper is dipped into the solution, it will likely remain red or turn blue.
Precautions:
- Perform the burning of Magnesium ribbon in a well-ventilated area or under a fume hood to avoid inhaling fumes.
- Handle the Magnesium ribbon and tongs with care to prevent accidental burns.
- When touching litmus papers to the solution, ensure clean and dry fingers to avoid contamination.
Lesson Learnt from Experiment:
The litmus test for Magnesium oxide shows that the solution formed is likely basic in nature. The blue litmus paper may turn red or remain blue, while the red litmus paper will likely remain red or turn blue. This indicates that the solution is showing basic properties. The Magnesium oxide, when dissolved in water, forms Magnesium Hydroxide, which is an alkaline or basic compound.
