Problem page solid magnesium carbonate decomposes into carbon dioxide gas and solid magnesium oxide. Write a balanced chemical equation for this reaction.

MgCO₃ → MgO + CO₂

Explanation:

Chemical Formula of Magnesium Carbonate = MgCO₃

Chemical Formula of Magnesium Oxide = MgO

Chemical Formula of Carbon Dioxide = CO₂

Step 1: Write the unbalance (if present) chemical equation:

MgCO₃ → MgO + CO₂

Step 2: Calculate and balance number of atoms on each side:

Magnesium Atoms:

As there is one Mg on left hand side and one Mg atom on right hand side. Therefore, Mg atoms are balanced.

Carbon Atoms:

There is one C atom on right hand side of the equation and one C atom on left hand side of the equation. Hence, C atoms are balanced too.

Oxygen Atoms:

Oxygen atoms are also balances i. e. three atoms on both sides each.

Conclusion:

Hence, 1 mole of MgCO₃ on decomposition produces 1 mole of CO₂ and 1 mole of MgO.