Burning Magnesium

Aim:
I want to find out what happens to magnesium when you burn it.


Hypothesis:
I predict that.....It will melt.


Equipment:
Heat mat
Bunsen burner
Scissor tongs
Magnesium
Lighter
Safety goggles


Method:

1. Get equipment.
2. Put on safety goggles.
3. Put down your heat mat.
4. Connect your Bunsen burner to the gas tap.
5. Close the air hole.
6. Ignite the lighter
7. Turn the gas tap on.
8. Open the air hole.
9. Hold the magnesium in the scissor tongs.
10. Put the magnesium into the blue flame.
11. Observe what happens.

Results:

When I burned solid, shiny grey blue Bunsen burner flame Magnesium it formed a bright white light and lasted for 2 to 3 seconds. Then it went out. Some white powder was left over.

Conclusions: 

My hypothesis was that the magnesium was going to melt but it actually made a bright light.

Evaluation:

• Do all metal glow brightly?
• How hot did the Magnesium get to before it reacted?
• Did it make any other chemical? 
• Why did have a white light and not blue or purple.
• What would happen if we used a chunk of Magnesium.
• What would happen if we powdered Magnesium.

After the experiment I felt really happy that I tried it, and I'm glad that it all went right.