In an experiment to determine the empirical formula of magnesium oxide, a student weights an empty crucible then adds a strip of magnesium metal and reweighs the crucible. The crucible and magnesium are heated with a burner flame, which ignits the magneisum and forms a grey-white solid. After cooling, the crucible and solid are reweighed and the date are analyzed to given an empirical formula of `Mg_(5)O_(4)`. Which could account for the observed `Mg_(5)O_(4)` results rather than the expected `MgO`?

Options

A. Some of the magensium reacts with atmospheric nitrogen to produce magnesium nitride
B. A mixture of magnesium oxide and magnesium peroxide forms during combustion.
C. The piece of magnesium ribbon is shorter than recommended in the procedure
D. The crucible and magneisum are heated longer than recommended in the procedure

Answer

A