Question

Data Trial 1 Trial 2

Mass of empty crucible with lid 26.687 26.691
Mass of Mg metal, crucible, and lid 27.006 27.050
Mass of MgO, crucible, and lid 27.208 27.277

Calculations:

Show your calculations for each of the following. Remember, calculations should follow rules for significant figures.

Write the balanced chemical equation for the reaction you are performing.
2mg(s)+O₂(g) ⇄ 2MgO(s)

Answer 1

The correct balanced chemical equation for the reaction between magnesium and oxygen is 2Mg + O2 → 2MgO. This ensures that two atoms of magnesium react with one diatomic oxygen molecule to produce two units of magnesium oxide, adhering to the conservation of mass.

Step-by-step explanation:

Chemical Equation Balancing

When performing a chemical reaction, it is crucial to write down the balanced chemical equation. Let us assess the given equations:

• 2Hg + O2 → Hg2O2 is not balanced regarding the number of oxygen atoms.
• C2H4 + 2O2 → 2CO2 + 2H2O is a balanced equation with equal numbers of each atom on both sides.
• Mg(NO3)2 + 2Li → Mg + 2LiNO3 is also balanced, with all elements having the same number of atoms on both sides.

For example, balancing the equation Mg + O2 → MgO would result in 2Mg + O2 → 2MgO. It is because oxygen is a diatomic molecule requiring two magnesium atoms to produce two MgO units. The balancing of chemical equations ensures the conservation of mass, where the number of atoms of each element is the same on both sides of the reaction.