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Magnesium ribbon continues to burn in carbon dioxide gas because

1. magnesium behaves as an oxidising agent
2. magnesium contains two electrons in its outermost shell
3. magnesium acts as a reducing agent and takes oxygen away from CO2
4. none of the above

Correct answer: magnesium acts as a reducing agent and takes oxygen away from CO2

Solution

Magnesium keeps burning in CO2 because it is a strong reducing agent and strips oxygen from CO2 (2Mg + CO2 -> 2MgO + C). So the correct reason is option 2, not 'none of the above'.

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