Answer: On heating, Magnesium forms its oxide; while potassium manganate(VII) decomposes
Explanation:
Magnesium Mg, on heating forms Magnesium oxide
2Mg(s) + O2(g) --> 2MgO
Potassium permanganate KMnO4, on heating decomposes to potassium manganate K2MnO4, manganese dioxide MnO2, and Oxygen gas O2.
2KMnO4 --> K2MnO4 + MnO2 + O2
The difference in observation is that, on heating, Magnesium forms its OXIDE as product; while potassium manganate(VII) decomposes, giving OFF most of its constituents and reducing its weight.
