what is the balanced equation for the reaction of solid magnesium metal with oxygen gas to produce solid magnesium oxide

2Mg + O₂ ⟶ 2MgO

Explanation:

Step 1. Start with the most complicated-looking formula (O₂?).

Put a 1 in front of it.

Mg + 1O₂ ⟶ MgO

Step 2. Balance O.

We have fixed 2 O on the left. We need 2O on the right. Put a 2 in front of MgO.

Mg + 1O₂ ⟶ 2MgO

Step 3. Balance Mg.

We have fixed 2 Mg on the right-hand side. We need 2 Mg atoms on the left. Put a 2 in front of Mg.

2Mg + 1O₂ ⟶ 2MgO

Every formula now has a coefficient. The equation should be balanced. Let's check.

Atom On the left On the right

Mg 2 2

O 2 2

All atoms are balanced.

The balanced equation is

2Mg + O₂ ⟶ 2MgO