Balance the equation Mg+O2-> MgO

Question

Balancing equations

Answer 1

Hi Arielle,

here are the steps:

Step 1

Mg + O₂ → MgO

notice that there 2 oxygen atoms in O₂ on the left, but only 1 oxygen atom in MgO on the right. To balance oxygen, let us put 2 in front of MgO

Mg + O₂ → 2 MgO

Step 2:

Mg + O₂ → 2 MgO

Now that oxygen is balanced, let us take a look at magnesium. There is one magnesium atom on the left, while there are two magnesium atoms on the right. To balance magnesium we need to put 2 in front of Mg on the left.

2 Mg + O₂ → 2 MgO

Our reaction equation is now balanced.