Write the balanced equation for the reaction of magnesium with oxygen gas to form magnesium oxide. Since oxygen is a diatomic element, use O2 in the reaction.
I think that the equation needing to be balanced is Mg + O2 --> MgO. I'm just not sure how to balance it. Thanks for your help!
2007-12-15 07:37:26 · 4 answers · asked by Steven M 3 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Chemistry
Mg + O2 --> MgO
on the left you have one magnesium and two oxygens
on the right you have one magnesium and one oxygen
you need to get two oxygens on the right
Mg + O2 --> 2MgO
now, we fixed the oxygen, but broke the magnesium. we need another magnesium on the left to balance
2Mg + O2 --> 2MgO
balanced!
sometimes, you just have to work back and forth
2007-12-15 07:43:59 · answer #1 · answered by Steve A 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
a. Mg + O2 --> 2MgO
b. 2Mg + O2 --> 2MgO -This is the final balanced equation.
You need to have both sides with equal amounts of elements. This must be this way because of the law of conservation of mass. Since you have 2 Oxygens on the left side, you need 2 Oxygens on the right side. By putting a 2 in front of MgO, You get 2 Oxygens, but now you have 2 Mg's as well. To Balance this, put a 2 in front of Mg. This gives the balanced equation.
2007-12-15 07:45:48 · answer #2 · answered by Pink Bubblegum13 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Are you sure this is correct...i just finished learning balancing equations and the elements must all be on the same side...you cant have chlorine on the product and not on the reactant..this is what i learned but i have a shitty teacher so i dunno...
2016-04-09 05:14:41 · answer #3 · answered by ? 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
For a tutorial, visit www.chemfiesta.com
2007-12-15 07:43:58 · answer #4 · answered by misterguch 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋