1. © Nuffield Foundation 2012 Practical Work for Learning Magnesium and carbon dioxide

2. © Nuffield Foundation 2012 Carbon dioxide fire extinguishers Why do some fire extinguishers contain carbon dioxide?

3. © Nuffield Foundation 2012 Learning Outcomes Use your knowledge of the reactivity series and the fire triangle to make predictions about the outcome of reactions Generate an explanation for what happens when burning magnesium is added to carbon dioxide Consider and evaluate the arguments of others

4. © Nuffield Foundation 2012 To predict What will happen to a piece of magnesium that is placed into a Bunsen flame, removed, and held in the air?

5. © Nuffield Foundation 2012 Burning magnesium in carbon dioxide What will happen when burning magnesium is placed in carbon dioxide?

6. © Nuffield Foundation 2012 Magnesium and carbon dioxide Have a gas jar of carbon dioxide ready. Hold a piece of magnesium ribbon in tongs and place in a hot Bunsen flame to set fire to it. Immediately plunge into the jar of carbon dioxide – but keep hold of it with the tongs. Observe what happens but protect your eyes – do not look directly at the magnesium flame.

7. © Nuffield Foundation 2012 Magnesium and carbon dioxide Write an explanation for what you saw. Support your explanation with the best evidence from the evidence cards. You should also include:  An equation  What the black specks on the gas jar were Extension: Choose an evidence card which does not support your explanation. Explain how your explanation can still be valid.

8. © Nuffield Foundation 2012 Who do you agree with? In your answer, give evidence to support the prediction you agree with evidence against the prediction you disagree with. The fire will go out because there is no oxygen present. Alice Barney The sodium will burn in the carbon dioxide because sodium is a very reactive metal. Some burning sodium is put into a gas jar of carbon dioxide. Alice and Barney predict what will happen.