Dry ice is the solid form of carbon dioxide (CO2). CO2 is used as a fire extinguisher; however, magnesium will burn in the presence of dry ice. MOst flames are extinguished when brought near dry ice and lighting the magnesium in the dry ice is tricky, but once it is lit the reaction is spetacular.
so does the Mg reduce the CO2? Does that mean you are left with pure carbon as a product? Charcoal?
fonze232 9 months ago
@fonze232 Yes, the magnesium is oxidized and reduces the carbon. Carbon and magnesium dioxide are the by products, and so although carbon is a by-product it is mixed with the magnesium oxide.
If you look at another video of mine showing this reaction I show the products at the end of the video: youtube dot com /watch?v=P2ym0kvc1XY and jump to around 1:55.
mrericsully 9 months ago