what is the heat of formation of magnesium
The oxidation or combustion of magnesium in air has long been used as a source of intense light in photography and for other photochemical reactions. The energy released in this combustion occurs as the magnesium reacts with oxygen in the air according to the equation:2 Mg (s) + O 2 (g) â 2 MgO (s). The heat of formation of magnesium oxide is -601.83 kJ/mol.he burning of magnesium in air produces intense heat which can cause burns and initiate combustion in flammable materials. Since a carbon dioxide fire extinguisher will not extinguish burning magnesium, a dry-powder extinguisher must be used.