Magnesium Lantern

Alternate titles:

CO2 Lantern, Dry Ice Lantern

Purpose:

To demonstrate combustion of magnesium in carbon dioxide.

Materials:

• Propane torch

Reagents:

• Dry ice (CO_2(s))
• Magnesium turnings (Mg_(s))

Hazards and PPE:

• A CO₂ fire extinguisher will not put out a burning magnesium fire (class D). It must be smothered with sand.
• Wear approved safety goggles and gloves.

Protocol:

Demonstration

1. Collect two large pieces of dry ice, one that can sit flat on the table and second piece that can be placed on top of the first securely.
2. Carve a small bowl shaped indent in the base CO2 piece, approximately 2cm deep and 4cm in diameter.
3. Fill the depression with Mg turnings.

Demonstration

1. Dim the lights
2. Ignite the magnesium turnings with a propane torch and quickly place the second block of CO2 on top of the magnesium.
   1. Step back.

Additional Notes:

• If magnesium turnings are unavailable, a mixture of 2g of powdered magnesium can be ignited with a 6cm strip of magnesium ribbon used as a fuse.
• The black residue is a mixture of carbon and Mg₃N_(s).

Disposal:

• The remaining solid from the Mg can be thrown into the trash.
• The CO2 can be left to sublime.

Reactions:

• 2Mg_(s) + CO_2(g) → 2MgO_(s) + C_(s)

Citations:

1. Shakharshiri, Bassam; Chemical Demonstrations, Volume I, 1983.

Videos:

• Magnesium Lamp

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