f REACTION OF MAGNESIUM WITH CARBON DIOXIDE Fill a gas jar with carbon dioxide as described in experiment 238 Hold a piece of clean magnesium ribbon in a pair of tongs ignite the magnesium with a Bunsen burner flame and plunge it into the carbon dioxide gas The magnesium continues to burn If the magnesium is taking oxygen from the carbon dioxide for burning then you would find carbon in the gas jar Look for carbon specks in the gas jar To make the carbon more visible you can add drops of sulphuric acid to remove the magnesium oxide and any unburnt magnesium