Sciencemadness Discussion Board

MgO+HNO3

mimilka - 16-10-2005 at 13:43

I was doing an experiment with strips of magnesium that were burning in oxygen. After I was supposed to add HNO3 and simmer again for 5 min. I got a question "why do we still have to simmer and what will happen if we don't do it sufficiently long"
Can somebody help me with this question?

Nerro - 16-10-2005 at 14:04

MgO isn't supposed to be very reactive so if you simmer the reaction will procede quicker. the reaction will also be more complete if you simmer.