Question

A magnesium ribbon is burnt in oxygen to give a white compound X accompanied by the emission of light. If the burning ribbon is now placed in an atmosphere of nitrogen, it continues to burn and forms a compound Y. Write the chemical formula of X and Y:

A. x→MgO;y→MgN
B. x→2MgO;y→Mg₂N₃
C. x→MgO;y→Mg₃N₂
D. None of these

Answer 1

The chemical formula of the white compound X formed when magnesium burns in oxygen is MgO. The compound Y formed when the burning ribbon is placed in nitrogen is Mg₃N₂. The correct answer is option: C. x→MgO;y→Mg₃N₂

Step-by-step explanation:

When a magnesium ribbon is burnt in oxygen, it combines with oxygen to form a compound known as magnesium oxide, which has the chemical formula MgO. This reaction is evident by the emission of heat, light, and the formation of a white powder.

If the burning magnesium ribbon is then placed in an atmosphere of nitrogen, it reacts with nitrogen to form another compound known as magnesium nitride, with the chemical formula Mg₃N₂. Therefore, the correct answer is C: x→MgO; y→Mg₃N₂.