Final answer:
When magnesium reacts with oxygen, it undergoes oxidation to form magnesium oxide (MgO). Magnesium donates two valence electrons to oxygen, creating Mg2+ and O2- ions that bond ionically. The reaction produces a bright white flame and heat, resulting in a white powder of magnesium oxide.
Step-by-step explanation:
When a magnesium atom reacts with an oxygen atom, a process called oxidation takes place. Magnesium is a metal that readily reacts with oxygen to form the compound magnesium oxide (MgO). Here's what happens during the reaction:
-
- Magnesium (Mg) has two valence electrons which it donates to oxygen (O2), resulting in magnesium losing these electrons and becoming an Mg2+ ion.
-
- Oxygen, which is a diatomic molecule, meaning it's composed of two atoms, gains these two electrons to form two O2- ions.
-
- The positive Mg2+ ions and the negative O2- ions are held together by the strong electrostatic forces of attraction, forming an ionic bond and creating the compound magnesium oxide.
-
- The chemical reaction can be summarized by the balanced equation: 2Mg (s) + O2 (g) → 2MgO (s)
-
- Detectable signs of this chemical reaction include a bright white flame, the release of heat, and the transformation of shiny metallic magnesium into a white powder of magnesium oxide.
Throughout this process, the metal magnesium is being oxidized by losing electrons, while oxygen is being reduced by gaining electrons. This is a classic example of an oxidation-reduction (redox) reaction.