Question

Burning magnesium gives us magnesium oxide. This is an example of a reaction.

is the common element involved with all chemical reactions of this kind.

Answer 1

The burning of magnesium in the presence of oxygen to form magnesium oxide is an example of a combination reaction involving oxygen, and represents a chemical change where the magnesium is oxidized.

Step-by-step explanation:

Burning magnesium to form magnesium oxide is an example of a combination reaction, specifically a reaction with oxygen. In this process, elemental magnesium is combined with oxygen, usually from the air, to produce magnesium oxide (MgO). This reaction can be represented by the chemical equation 2Mg (s) + O₂(g) → 2MgO (s).

When magnesium is ignited, it reacts rapidly and dramatically with oxygen, resulting in a bright white flame and the release of heat, indicating a chemical change. The magnesium is being oxidized, meaning Mg atoms are losing electrons, while the electrons are being transferred to the O atoms.

The conservation of mass principle also applies to this reaction, meaning no matter is lost or created during the process. Even though the physical state of magnesium dramatically changes from a shiny metallic form to a crumbly white powder (MgO), the mass after the reaction is the same as the mass of reacting substances.

Answer 2

The given reaction can be represented as,

`2Mg (s) + O_(2)(g) ---> 2MgO (s)`

In this reaction, two elements (Mg and
`O_(2)`) combine to form a single compound, MgO. Hence, this reaction is an example of chemical combination or synthesis. Here as the element Mg is oxidized in the presence of
`O_(2)` to form MgO. This is referred to as combustion reaction. In combustion reaction, elements or compounds react with oxygen to give their respective oxides.