In an experiment to determine the empirical formula of magnesium oxide, a student weighs an empty cr — Laboratory Chemistry Question
Question
In an experiment to determine the empirical formula of magnesium oxide, a student weighs an empty crucible then adds a strip of magnesium metal and reweighs the crucible. The crucible and magnesium are heated with a burner flame, which ignites the magnesium and forms a gray-white solid. After cooling, the crucible and solid are reweighed and the data are analyzed to give an empirical formula of Mg5O4. Which could account for the observed Mg5O4 result rather than the expected MgO?
Some of the magnesium reacts with atmospheric nitrogen to produce magnesium nitride.
A mixture of magnesium oxide and magnesium peroxide forms during combustion.
The piece of magnesium ribbon is shorter than recommended in the procedure.
The crucible and magnesium are heated longer than recommended in the procedure.