Magnesium Burns In Steam

Purpose:

1. To determine the effect of placing lighted magnesium ribbon into steam produced by boiling water.

Materials:

1. Water
2. Flask
3. Tongs
4. Magnesium ribbon
5. Ring stand
6. Bunsen burner

Procedure:

1. Place flask containing water on the ring stand.
2. Light the bunsen burner under the flask and let the water boil.
3. Place a strip of magnesium ribbons in the tongs, then ignite it by placing it in the flame of the Bunsen burner.
4. With the tongs, lower a piece of lighted magnesium ribbon into the steam.

1. What happened to the magnesium ribbon when it was lowered into the steam?




Why does the magnesium continue to burn brightly, instead of going out?