Which balances the equation $Mg + O _2 \rightarrow MgO$?
A. $Mg +2 O _2 \rightarrow 4 MgO$
B. $2 Mg +2 O _2+2 MgO$
C. $2 Mg + O _2 \rightarrow 2 MgO$
D. $2 Mg +2 O _2 \rightarrow 4 MgO$
Answer (1)
Analyze the given chemical equations.
Verify the number of atoms for each element on both sides of each equation.
Identify the equation where the number of atoms for each element is the same on both sides.
The balanced equation is 2 M g + O 2 i g h t ha r p oo n u p 2 M g O .
Explanation
Understanding the Problem We are asked to balance the chemical equation M g + O 2 i g h t ha r p oo n u pM g O . This means we need to find coefficients for each molecule such that the number of atoms of each element is the same on both sides of the equation.
Checking Each Option Let's examine each option:
M g + 2 O 2 i g h t ha r p oo n u p 4 M g O : On the left side, we have 1 Mg atom and 4 O atoms. On the right side, we have 4 Mg atoms and 4 O atoms. This equation is not balanced because the number of Mg atoms is not the same on both sides.
2 M g + 2 O 2 + 2 M g O : This is not a valid chemical equation because there is a plus sign on the left side of the arrow. Chemical equations show the reactants on the left and the products on the right.
2 M g + O 2 i g h t ha r p oo n u p 2 M g O : On the left side, we have 2 Mg atoms and 2 O atoms. On the right side, we have 2 Mg atoms and 2 O atoms. This equation is balanced because the number of Mg and O atoms are the same on both sides.
2 M g + 2 O 2 i g h t ha r p oo n u p 4 M g O : On the left side, we have 2 Mg atoms and 4 O atoms. On the right side, we have 4 Mg atoms and 4 O atoms. This equation 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 i g h t ha r p oo n u p 2 M g O .
Examples
Balancing chemical equations is essential in many real-world applications, such as calculating the amount of reactants needed for a chemical reaction or determining the amount of products formed. For example, in the production of magnesium oxide, it's crucial to know the exact ratio of magnesium to oxygen to ensure the reaction proceeds efficiently and produces the desired amount of product. This ensures minimal waste and optimal use of resources, which is vital in industrial chemistry and manufacturing processes. By understanding stoichiometry, we can accurately predict and control chemical reactions, leading to safer and more efficient processes.
