
Magnesium reacts with steam
ZIMSEC O Level Combined Science Notes: Experiment: The reaction of metals and water
Aim: To investigate and observe the reaction of magnesium and water
Materials: magnesium ribbon, hard glass test tube, water, sand, 2 burners, short glass tube, splint, clamp stand
Method
- Set up the apparatus as shown above
- Heat the damp sand and magnesium ribbon so that steam is passed over the heated metal
- As soon as the magnesium starts to glow, place a lighted splint near the open end of the short glass tube
- Continue heating until the reaction is complete
- Disconnect the cork and glass tube from the test tube before the heating is stopped
- Repeat the experiment using zinc powder and copper
Results and Observations

Glowing magnesium. Image credit flickr.com
- The gas at the end of the short glass tube burnt with a popping sound
- The magnesium glows as it reacts with the steam
- A white powdery substance remains in the heated tube where the magnesium was
- When the experiment is repeated using zinc it is less vigorous but hydrogen is also given out
Conclusion
- Some metals such as zinc and magnesium react with steam to form an oxide
- Hydrogen is a by product of these reactions
To access more topics go to the Combined Science Notes page.
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