The answer is magnesium.
Magnesium is a highly reactive metal that can burn in the absence of oxygen. This is because it can react with other elements, like nitrogen and carbon dioxide, to produce heat and light.
Here are some examples of how magnesium can burn without oxygen:
- Burning in nitrogen: When magnesium is heated in a nitrogen atmosphere, it reacts to form magnesium nitride (Mg3N2). This reaction releases heat and light, which is why magnesium can burn in nitrogen.
- Burning in carbon dioxide: Magnesium can also burn in carbon dioxide, producing magnesium oxide (MgO) and carbon. This reaction is even more vigorous than burning in nitrogen.
Magnesium's ability to burn without oxygen is due to its strong reducing properties. This means that it can easily donate electrons to other elements, leading to a chemical reaction that produces heat and light.
