Observe the changes in Magnesium ribbon in Changes around Us – Class 7 Science Experiment

Chapter Name: Changes around Us

Activity Name: Observe the changes in Magnesium ribbon in Changes around Us

Activity Description:

Required Items:

1. Magnesium ribbon
2. Candle or a flame source
3. Water
4. Blue and red litmus papers

Step by Step Procedure:

1. Take a small piece of magnesium ribbon.
2. Hold the magnesium ribbon using tongs or any suitable apparatus and carefully burn it on the flame of a candle or a Bunsen burner.
3. Observe the burning magnesium ribbon, noting the brilliant white dazzling light it emits during combustion.
4. After the combustion, examine the ash or powdery substance left behind.
5. Compare the appearance of the ash with the original magnesium ribbon.
6. Mix the ash with a small quantity of water and dissolve it in the water.
7. Observe any changes in the state of the substance after dissolution.

Experiment Observations:

1. During the burning of magnesium ribbon, students will observe a brilliant white dazzling light being emitted.
2. The ash formed may not look exactly like the original magnesium ribbon; it could have a different appearance.
3. When the ash is mixed with water and dissolved, a new substance called magnesium hydroxide is formed.

Precautions:

1. Perform the burning of magnesium ribbon in a well-ventilated area or under the guidance of a teacher or adult.
2. Use tongs or appropriate tools to handle the magnesium ribbon during burning, as it can become very hot.
3. Handle the ash and the dissolved mixture with care.

Lesson Learnt from Experiment:

The experiment demonstrates that when magnesium burns in the presence of oxygen, it undergoes a chemical reaction to form magnesium oxide, which is a new substance. When magnesium oxide reacts with water, it forms another new substance called magnesium hydroxide. This illustrates the concept of chemical changes and the formation of new substances during chemical reactions.