Magnesium ribbon burns with a dazzling white flame due to the intense heat generated during the combustion reaction, which emits light in the visible spectrum. This characteristic flame color is a result of the energy released during the chemical reaction between magnesium and oxygen.
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The dazzling white flame produced when magnesium ribbon burns is due to the intense heat generated during the combustion reaction. When magnesium reacts with oxygen to form magnesium oxide (2Mg + O₂ → 2MgO), the reaction is highly exothermic, releasing a substantial amount of energy in the form of heat and light. The emitted light consists of a broad spectrum, including a significant portion in the visible range. The intense brightness, especially in the visible white light region, is a result of the high temperature reached during the combustion, creating the striking visual effect observed when magnesium ribbon burns.