Why do we need to polish magnesium before using it in an experiment?
Isn't it coated with an impervious oxide?
so we need to get rid of it in order to have a reaction from pure magnesium?
You need to move it off so the magnesium surface is exposed.
ahh i see now
thanks alot!
Magnesium is a highly reactive metal, meaning it readily reacts with oxygen in the air to form a layer of oxide on its surface called magnesium oxide (MgO). This oxide layer can hinder the desired reactions in an experiment, so it is important to polish magnesium before using it.
To understand why we need to polish magnesium, we can break down the process into a few steps:
1. **Learn about magnesium's reactivity**: By knowing that magnesium is highly reactive, we can anticipate that it will form an oxide layer when exposed to air. This oxide layer can interfere with the desired reactions in an experimental setup.
2. **Identify the issue**: The formation of magnesium oxide on the metal's surface can prevent the metal from reacting as desired with other substances. In many experiments, researchers need the metal to react quickly and efficiently. Therefore, removing this oxide layer becomes crucial.
3. **Polishing magnesium**: To remove the oxide layer, the surface of magnesium is typically polished. The process involves gently rubbing the metal's surface with an abrasive material like sandpaper. This action disrupts and removes the oxide layer, exposing clean magnesium underneath.
4. **Ensuring a clean surface**: Once the oxide layer is removed, the polished magnesium surface is clean and ready for use in the experiment. Without the oxide layer hindering the metal's reactivity, the desired reactions can occur more effectively.
In summary, polishing magnesium before using it in an experiment is necessary because its reactivity causes the rapid formation of an oxide layer on its surface. Removing this layer by polishing allows for better reactivity and reliable results in experimental setups.