# Magnesium ribbon is burned in oxygen to produce magnesium oxide. In this reaction, magnesium is oxidised and oxygen is reduced. Explain what happens to magnesium and to oxygen in terms of electron transfer, and state what type of overall reaction this is.

> Eduqas A-Level Chemistry — 1.8 Redox · Explain · 5 marks

> Magnesium burns vigorously in oxygen. The word equation for the reaction is: magnesium + oxygen → magnesium oxide.

## Mark scheme (5 marks)

1. Magnesium loses electrons (during the reaction)
2. Oxygen gains electrons (during the reaction)
3. Loss of electrons is oxidation (OIL) — magnesium is oxidised because it loses electrons
4. Gain of electrons is reduction (RIG) — oxygen is reduced because it gains electrons
5. The overall reaction is a redox reaction (because oxidation and reduction occur simultaneously)

## Key terms

- [electron transfer](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/electron-transfer)

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Source: [GradeNine](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/q/magnesium-ribbon-is-burned-in-oxygen-d2379583) · Published by Druglandscape Ltd.