How does burning magnesium affect its mass? | 11-14 years

A photograph showing magnesium ribbon burning with a bright white flame against a black background

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Investigate what happens to the mass of magnesium when it burns and reacts with oxygen using this lesson plan and practical activity for 11–14 year olds.

In this activity, students weigh a piece of magnesium before and after burning to investigate the effect on its mass. This helps them consolidate their ideas about the increase in mass on burning due to combination with oxygen. The investigation also gives students the opportunity to practise drawing, interpreting and evaluating simple graphs.

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