Question

Identify the product when magnesium burns in air.

• A. MgO only
• B. \(\mathrm{Mg}_{3}\text{ }\mathrm{N}_{2}\) only
• C. \(\mathrm{Mg}_{2}\mathrm{NO}_{3}\)
• D. \(\mathrm{MgO}\) and \(\mathrm{Mg}_{3}\text{ }\mathrm{N}_{2}\)

Hint:

Magnesium reacts with both oxygen and nitrogen of air at high temperature.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is D

Step 1: Understanding the Concept
When burnt in air, magnesium combines with oxygen and also with nitrogen, since air contains about 78 percent nitrogen.

Step 2: Reactions
\(2\text{Mg}+\text{O}_2\rightarrow2\text{MgO}\)
\(3\text{Mg}+\text{N}_2\rightarrow\text{Mg}_3\text{N}_2\)

Step 3: Result
Both MgO and \(\text{Mg}_3\text{N}_2\) form, which is option (D).

Final Answer:
Magnesium burning in air forms both MgO and magnesium nitride. \[ \boxed{\text{(D) }\text{MgO and Mg}_{3}\text{N}_{2}} \]