Why does the mass of magnesium increase and wood decrease when when they burn?

[CrazCo]

Why does the mass of magnesium increase and wood decrease when when they burn?

[Mr Skeptic]

Do you mean, why does ash have a higher concentration of magnesium than wood? Or do you mean, why are CO2 and H2O vapors and MgO a solid? What are you asking?

[thedarkshade]

Because when magnesium is burnt in air, it reacts with O forming MgO and continues increasing in mass, because it's synthesis. But when wood is brunt, it decreases because it resolves to CO2 and H2O.

[CrazCo]

That's what it says on my sheet of questions skeptic, maybe it doesn't make sense??

 

and thanks shade !

[Mr Skeptic]

Because when magnesium is burnt in air, it reacts with O forming MgO and continues increasing in mass, because it's synthesis. But when wood is brunt, it decreases because it resolves to CO2 and H2O.

 

That does seem like it would be the answer that the professor is seeking; however, the mass of the wood also increases (it combines with oxygen) even though the results are vapors so the solid remains are less massive.

[thedarkshade]

..the mass of the wood also increases (it combines with oxygen)

forming what?

[ydoaPs]

That's what it says on my sheet of questions skeptic, maybe it doesn't make sense??

 

and thanks shade !

 

There is a homework help forum.

[thedarkshade]

That's what it says on my sheet of questions skeptic, maybe it doesn't make sense??

 

and thanks shade !

Anytime dude!

[ydoaPs]

Anytime dude!

You shouldn't get in the habit of doing homework for people. Our policy is we HELP with homework; we don't do it.

[thedarkshade]

You shouldn't get in the habit of doing homework for people. Our policy is we HELP with homework; we don't do it.

I didn't man! I just helped the guy out by explaining what I knew about the thread. Isn't that what everybody does here?