Final answer:
The word equation that represents the reaction between magnesium and oxygen to form magnesium oxide is 'magnesium + oxygen → magnesium oxide + light'. The balanced chemical equation for this reaction is 2Mg (s) + O₂(g) → 2MgO (s). It is an example of a combination reaction.
Step-by-step explanation:
The word equation that represents the reaction between magnesium and oxygen to form magnesium oxide is: magnesium + oxygen → magnesium oxide + light. In the balanced chemical equation, it is represented as: 2Mg (s) + O₂(g) → 2MgO (s). This reaction is an example of a combination reaction, where a metal and oxygen react to form a metal oxide.