Question

The chemical equation below shows the burning of magnesium (Mg) with oxygen (O2) to form magnesium oxide (MgO). 2Mg + O2 Right arrow. 2MgO Niven wants to calculate the mass of MgO that is produced by the burning of 28.0 g of Mg. What is the first step in Niven’s calculation?

- Balance the chemical equation.
- Convert grams of Mg to moles.
- Determine whether heat is given off by this reaction.
- Find the number of Mg atoms in the sample.

Answer 1

Convert grams of Mg to moles

Step-by-step explanation:

In stoichiometric calculations, the first thing is always to balance the chemical reaction equation. However, in this particular instance, the equation is already balanced; 2Mg + O2 ---------->2MgO as shown in the question.

Hence, what Niven now has to do is to convert grams of Mg to moles so that the amount of MgO obtained can be calculated and subsequently converted to mass.