Burning Magnesium in Dry Ice

Magnesium continues to burn in solid carbon dioxide, reducing CO₂ to carbon

Classroom Demonstrations Advanced (University) 25 min ~$15.00

Objective

Demonstrate that magnesium can reduce carbon dioxide, challenging the misconception that CO₂ always extinguishes fires.

Background

Magnesium burns so intensely (over 3000°C) that it can reduce carbon dioxide to elemental carbon. When a burning magnesium ribbon is placed in a cavity carved into dry ice (solid CO₂), it continues to burn brilliantly white, producing magnesium oxide (white powder) and elemental carbon (black specks). This reaction (2Mg + CO₂ → 2MgO + C) dramatically shows that CO₂ is not always an effective fire extinguisher and that thermodynamic favorability depends on the specific reactants involved.

Safety Warnings

  • Burning magnesium is extremely bright — never look directly at it without shade protection
  • Dry ice causes frostbite on contact — never handle with bare hands
  • Perform behind a safety shield
  • Keep a fire-resistant mat underneath
  • Do not attempt to extinguish burning Mg with water — explosion risk
  • Ensure ventilation — CO₂ accumulation in enclosed spaces is dangerous

Required PPE

goggles gloves lab_coat face_shield

Materials

  • Magnesium ribbon (30 cm)
    Clean, bright surface
  • Dry ice block (1 kg)
    Solid CO₂ (−78.5°C)
  • Tongs (long-handled) (1)
    For handling dry ice

Equipment

Safety shield Fire-resistant mat Chisel or screwdriver (for carving cavity in dry ice) Lighter or matches Welding goggles or #14 shade glass

Procedure

1

Using tongs, carve a small cavity (about 3 cm deep) in the dry ice block. Place the dry ice on a fire-resistant mat.

3 min Wear insulated gloves for dry ice
2

Set up the safety shield between the demonstration and the audience. Distribute welding goggles or instruct everyone to look away when ignited.

2 min
3

Light one end of the magnesium ribbon. Once burning, quickly place it in the dry ice cavity using tongs.

2 min Do not look directly at the flame
4

Place another piece of dry ice on top to create a CO₂ atmosphere around the burning magnesium.

2 min
5

Observe: the magnesium continues to burn with an intense white flame inside the CO₂ environment. It does NOT go out.

3 min Maintain safe distance
6

After the reaction, examine the residue: white MgO powder and black carbon specks. Discuss the reaction: 2Mg + CO₂ → 2MgO + C.

8 min Wait for residue to cool completely
7

Discuss implications for fire safety: why Mg fires cannot be extinguished with CO₂, water, or standard fire extinguishers.

5 min

Expected Results

The magnesium continues to burn brilliantly inside the dry ice. After the reaction, white MgO and black carbon specks are visible in the dry ice cavity. This proves CO₂ has been reduced to elemental carbon.

Cleanup

Allow all residues to cool and dry ice to sublimate. Sweep up MgO and carbon residue. No chemical waste disposal needed.

Details

Category
Classroom Demonstrations
Difficulty
Advanced (University)
Duration
25 min
Est. Cost
$15.00
Steps
7
Materials
3

More Experiments

Chemiluminescence with Luminol 30 min Density Column Rainbow 30 min Disappearing Beaker (Refractive Index Matching) 15 min Elephant Toothpaste 20 min Instant Freeze: Supercooled Water 120 min Iodine Clock Reaction 45 min Non-Newtonian Fluid: Oobleck 20 min Oscillating Briggs-Rauscher Reaction 40 min Sodium and Water Reaction 25 min Thermite Reaction 30 min

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the objective of Burning Magnesium in Dry Ice?
Demonstrate that magnesium can reduce carbon dioxide, challenging the misconception that CO₂ always extinguishes fires.
How difficult is Burning Magnesium in Dry Ice?
This experiment is rated as Advanced (University). It takes approximately 25 minutes to complete.
What safety precautions are needed for Burning Magnesium in Dry Ice?
Key safety precautions include: Burning magnesium is extremely bright — never look directly at it without shade protection; Dry ice causes frostbite on contact — never handle with bare hands; Perform behind a safety shield.
What materials are needed for Burning Magnesium in Dry Ice?
The main materials required are: Magnesium ribbon, Dry ice block, Tongs (long-handled).
What results should I expect from Burning Magnesium in Dry Ice?
The magnesium continues to burn brilliantly inside the dry ice. After the reaction, white MgO and black carbon specks are visible in the dry ice cavity. This proves CO₂ has been reduced to elemental carbon.