A thin ribbon of magnesium burns in the air creating a really bright light. When it is finished burning, there is only a powder white substance in its place. Which option best explains where the white powder came from?

A. a magnesium ribbon disappeared leaving instead an ash left over from burning that was white and powdery (instead of dark grey like a piece of wood burning).

B. the white powder is a combination of magnesium and something in the air.

C. the white powder atoms were the magnesium ribbon changing into a different element.

D. the white powder atoms came from the atmosphere originally.