Let It Burn
Chemistry
Level
1
We know that it is very hard for something to burn in carbon dioxide. But there is a substance that will burn well even in carbon dioxide. What is that substance?
Copper
Magnesium
Silver
Wood
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1 solution
Magnesium has a stronger bond with oxygen than carbon and any other of the options, therefore magnesium is able to burn in carbon dioxide. You can experiment this with dry ice (cardice). The chemical formula is; 2Mg + CO_2 → 2MgO + C
Do not attempt this without adult supervision
Get two thick pieces of box-shaped dry ice, and dig a hole in one of them, so it can hold an amount of magnesium. Put some magnesium powder in the small pit, then light a magnesium ribbon. Put the ribbon inside the hole and quickly cover the hole with the other block of dry ice. Be careful, some sparks may jump out, so hold the block of ice down firmly. You should be able to see that the magnesium is burning inside. The remains are carbon.