Final answer:
Magnesium reacts with oxygen to produce magnesium oxide (MgO).
Step-by-step explanation:
When magnesium reacts with oxygen, it produces magnesium oxide (MgO). The reaction can be represented by the equation:
- 2Mg (s) + O₂(g) → 2MgO (s)
During this reaction, the shiny metallic magnesium burns in the presence of oxygen to form a crumbly white powder of magnesium oxide.