Answer:
2Mg(s) +O₂(g) → 2MgO(s)
Step-by-step explanation:
Mg(s) +O₂(g) → MgO(s)
When a chemical equation is balanced, the number of atoms of each element is equal on both sides of the arrow. We usually balance O and H last.
In this case, the number of Mg atoms is equal on both sides. Thus, let's move on to balance the O atoms. On the left side, there are 2 O atoms, while there is only 1 O atom on the left side. Thus, write a '2' in front of MgO.
Mg(s) +O₂(g) → 2MgO(s)
Now, the number of Mg atoms is not equal. Write a '2' in front of Mg to balance it.
2Mg(s) +O₂(g) → 2MgO(s)
The equation is now balanced with 2 Mg atoms and 2 O atoms on each side.