Identify the balanced chemical equation for the following reaction.$$Mg + O_2 \rightarrow MgO$$

Question

Examoogle · Accepted Answer

The correct answer is Option D: $$Mg + \frac{1}{2}O_2 \rightarrow MgO$$. A balanced chemical equation must satisfy the Law of Conservation of Mass, which states that the total number of atoms of each element must be equal on both the reactant and product sides. In this reaction, one magnesium atom reacts with half a molecule of oxygen (one oxygen atom) to produce one unit of magnesium oxide, ensuring one atom of each element on both sides.

Step-by-Step Solution & Concepts:
A balanced chemical equation must satisfy the Law of Conservation of Mass, which states that the total number of atoms of each element must be equal on both the reactant and product sides. In this reaction, one magnesium atom reacts with half a molecule of oxygen (one oxygen atom) to produce one unit of magnesium oxide, ensuring one atom of each element on both sides.

Working Principle: The chemical reaction involves the oxidation of magnesium. According to the law of atom balance, the equation $Mg + \frac{1}{2}O_2 \rightarrow MgO$ correctly represents that 1 atom of Mg and 1 atom of O (derived from $\frac{1}{2}O_2$) are present on both sides. This is equivalent to the standard balanced equation $2Mg + O_2 \rightarrow 2MgO$, but scaled by a factor of 1/2.

Key Formulas: $Mg + \frac{1}{2}O_2 \rightarrow MgO$ — Balanced reaction equation; $2Mg + O_2 \rightarrow 2MgO$ — Integer-coefficient equivalent of the reaction

Key Points: Chemical equations must be balanced to reflect the conservation of mass.; The stoichiometric coefficients can be fractions as long as the ratio of atoms remains consistent.; Magnesium reacts with oxygen to form a white ionic solid known as magnesium oxide.

Advantages: Using fractional coefficients allows for the description of the reaction based on a single mole of the product.

Disadvantages: Fractional coefficients are often preferred to be converted into whole numbers for standardized stoichiometric calculations.

Applications: Thermodynamic standard heat of formation calculations.; Laboratory demonstrations of combustion reactions.

Additional Info: Option D is the most scientifically accurate representation when normalized to the formation of one mole of product.. Option A ($Mg + O_2 \rightarrow MgO$) is unbalanced as there are 2 oxygen atoms on the left and 1 on the right.. Option C ($2Mg + \frac{3}{2}O_2 \rightarrow 3MgO$) is chemically incorrect as the atom count does not match.

Answer: D is correct — The equation $Mg + \frac{1}{2}O_2 \rightarrow MgO$ is balanced because there is one atom of Mg and one atom of O on both sides of the reaction.

Exam Tip: Always count the atoms of each element on both sides of the arrow during exams; if they don't match, the equation is not balanced.

Examoogle · Answer

Option A: $$Mg + \frac{3}{2}O_2 \rightarrow MgO$$

Examoogle · Answer

Option B: $$2Mg + \frac{3}{2}O_2 \rightarrow 3MgO$$

Examoogle · Answer

Option C: $$2Mg + \frac{1}{2}O_2 \rightarrow 2MgO$$

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