Reaction of Magnesium with Carbon Dioxide

Still Images

Magnesium is placed in a cavity in a block of dry ice. The magnesium is ignited and covered by another block of dry ice. Despite the absence of air, the magnesium continues to glow, due to its reaction with carbon dioxide. Because of this reaction, carbon dioxide cannot be used to extinguish magnesium fires.

The reaction products are white magnesium oxide and black carbon.

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