Question

write a balanced chemical equation based on the following description:solid magnesium metal reacts with oxygen gas to produce solid magnesium oxide.

Answer 1

The balanced chemical equation for the reaction between solid magnesium metal and oxygen gas forming solid magnesium oxide is 2Mg (s) + O₂(g) → 2MgO (s), representing a combination reaction where magnesium reacts with diatomic oxygen to produce a white powder and releases energy.

Step-by-step explanation:

The question concerns the chemical reaction between solid magnesium metal and oxygen gas to produce solid magnesium oxide. This reaction is an example of a combination reaction where two or more substances combine to form a single product. The balanced chemical equation for this reaction is 2Mg (s) + O₂(g) → 2MgO (s). It is important to note that oxygen is diatomic, meaning that it exists as O₂ in its stable form. Thus, two magnesium atoms are required to react with one oxygen molecule to yield two formula units of magnesium oxide (MgO).

Chemical reactions are often accompanied by physical indications, such as light or heat generation, gas evolution, changes in color, or formation of new solid products. When magnesium burns in the air, it produces a bright white flame and heat, while the shiny metal transforms into a crumbly white powder of magnesium oxide. This dramatic, exothermic reaction showcases how metals react with oxygen to form metal oxides.

Answer 2

The balanced chemical equation for the reaction where solid magnesium metal reacts with oxygen gas to form solid magnesium oxide is 2Mg (s) + O₂(g) → 2MgO (s). This example demonstrates a combination reaction where magnesium burns with oxygen to form magnesium oxide, accompanied by a flame and heat.

Step-by-step explanation:

The student is asking for the balanced chemical equation for a reaction where solid magnesium metal reacts with oxygen gas to produce solid magnesium oxide. To balance this chemical reaction, we write it as: 2Mg (s) + O₂(g) → 2MgO (s)

In this equation, solid magnesium (Mg) reacts with diatomic oxygen gas (O₂) to form magnesium oxide (MgO). Because oxygen is a diatomic molecule, meaning it exists as O₂ in nature, two magnesium atoms are required to react with one molecule of oxygen to produce two units of magnesium oxide. This type of reaction is known as a synthesis or combination reaction, where two or more reactants combine to form a single product.

During the reaction, observable changes such as a bright white flame and the release of heat indicate that a chemical reaction is taking place. The reactant, magnesium in this case, react with oxygen when ignited, resulting in the formation of a crumbly white powder, which is magnesium oxide.