When magnesium reacts with oxygen, it undergoes a combustion reaction, producing magnesium oxide. This reaction is highly exothermic, releasing a significant amount of heat and light, which is why it is often used in fireworks to produce bright flashes of light. The reaction is so bright that it can temporarily blind an observer. The chemical equation for this reaction is:
$$2Mg + O_2 \rightarrow 2MgO$$
This reaction is a classic example of an oxidation-reduction reaction, where magnesium is oxidized and oxygen is reduced. When magnesium metal is burned in air, it forms magnesium oxide.
