Which balances the equation [tex]Mg + O _2 \rightarrow MgO[/tex]?
A. [tex]Mg +2 O _2 \rightarrow 4 MgO[/tex]
B. [tex]2 Mg +2 O _2 \rightarrow 2 MgO[/tex]
C. [tex]2 Mg + O _2 \rightarrow 2 MgO[/tex]
D. [tex]2 Mg +2 O _2 \rightarrow 4 MgO[/tex]
Answer (2)
Analyze each option to verify the number of atoms of each element is the same on both sides of the equation.
Option 1 is not balanced: M g + 2 O 2 r i g h t a rro w 4 M g O .
Option 2 is not balanced: 2 M g + 2 O 2 r i g h t a rro w 2 M g O .
Option 3 is balanced: 2 M g + O 2 r i g h t a rro w 2 M g O .
Option 4 is not balanced: 2 M g + 2 O 2 r i g h t a rro w 4 M g O .
The balanced equation is 2 M g + O 2 → 2 M g O .
Explanation
Understanding the Problem We are given the unbalanced chemical equation M g + O 2 r i g h t a rro wM g O and asked to identify the balanced equation from the given options. A balanced equation has the same number of atoms of each element on both sides of the equation.
Checking Each Option Let's examine each option:
Option 1: M g + 2 O 2 r i g h t a rro w 4 M g O . Left side: 1 Mg, 4 O. Right side: 4 Mg, 4 O. This is not balanced because the number of Mg atoms is not the same on both sides.
Option 2: 2 M g + 2 O 2 r i g h t a rro w 2 M g O . Left side: 2 Mg, 4 O. Right side: 2 Mg, 2 O. This is not balanced because the number of O atoms is not the same on both sides.
Option 3: 2 M g + O 2 r i g h t a rro w 2 M g O . Left side: 2 Mg, 2 O. Right side: 2 Mg, 2 O. This is balanced because the number of Mg and O atoms are the same on both sides.
Option 4: 2 M g + 2 O 2 r i g h t a rro w 4 M g O . Left side: 2 Mg, 4 O. Right side: 4 Mg, 4 O. This is not balanced because the number of Mg atoms is not the same on both sides.
Conclusion Therefore, the balanced equation is 2 M g + O 2 r i g h t a rro w 2 M g O .
Examples
Balancing chemical equations is essential in various real-world applications, such as calculating the amount of reactants needed for a chemical reaction or determining the products formed in a chemical process. For instance, in the production of magnesium oxide (MgO), a common refractory material, it's crucial to know the exact amounts of magnesium (Mg) and oxygen (O2) required to ensure a complete reaction and maximize the yield of MgO. This ensures efficient use of resources and minimizes waste, which is vital in industrial chemistry and manufacturing.
The correct balanced equation for M g + O 2 → M g O is 2 M g + O 2 → 2 M g O . This option ensures that the number of magnesium and oxygen atoms are the same on both sides of the equation. Balancing equations is essential for accurate chemical reactions and applications in chemistry.
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