Question

How do you write a balanced equation for the combination of magnesium and oxygen to form Magnesium oxide, $\mathrm{MgO}$?

Answer 1

Magnesium oxide$\left(\mathrm{MgO}\right)$:

• Magnesium oxide$\left(\mathrm{MgO}\right)$ can be produced by the burning of Magnesium metal that reacts with Oxygen found in the air (Oxygen gas).

$\underset{\mathrm{Magnesium}}{2\mathrm{Mg}\left(\mathrm{s}\right)}+\underset{\mathrm{Oxygen}}{{\mathrm{O}}_2\left(\mathrm{g}\right)}\stackrel{∆}{\to }\underset{\mathrm{Magnesium}\mathrm{oxide}}{2\mathrm{MgO}\left(\mathrm{s}\right)}$.

• Here, Magnesium has a charge of $2+$, while oxygen has a charge of $2-$.
• This is an example of a synthesis reaction.
• Magnesium oxide$\left(\mathrm{MgO}\right)$ is used as a High-temperature dehydrating agent in the production of silicon steel sheets.

Therefore, the balanced equation for the combination of magnesium and oxygen to form Magnesium oxide $\mathrm{MgO}$ is $\underset{\mathrm{Magnesium}}{2\mathrm{Mg}\left(\mathrm{s}\right)}+\underset{\mathrm{Oxygen}}{{\mathrm{O}}_2\left(\mathrm{g}\right)}\to \underset{\mathrm{Magnesium}\mathrm{oxide}}{2\mathrm{MgO}\left(\mathrm{s}\right)}$