Balance Mg + O₂ → MgO
2 Mg(s) + O₂(g) → 2 MgO(s)
Balance an equation
Arrow. Type -> or =. Subscripts. Plain digits: H2SO4, Ca(OH)2, CuSO4.5H2O. Charges. Fe3+, OH-, SO4 2-, and e- for an electron. States. (s), (l), (g) and (aq) are kept. Coefficients you type are checked.
2Mg(s)+O₂(g)→2MgO(s)
Balanced
Atoms on each side
| Atom | As writtenleft : right | Balancedleft : right |
|---|---|---|
| Mg | 1:1 | 2:2 |
| O | 2:1 | 2:2 |
Check atoms
How to balance it, step by step
- Count the atoms of each element on both sides, as written.
- Start with the biggest formula, O₂: put 1 in front of it.
- O: 2 on the left. Put 2 in front of MgO.
- Mg: 2 on the right. Put 2 in front of Mg.
- Check: Mg 2 = 2, O 2 = 2. Balanced.
What happens
It is a combination reaction: two or more substances join to form a single product. Magnesium ribbon burns with a dazzling white flame and leaves a white powder of magnesium oxide.
Magnesium and oxygen: quick answers
What is the balanced equation for magnesium and oxygen?
2 Mg(s) + O₂(g) → 2 MgO(s). The coefficients are 2, 1 and 2. Each side then has 2 Mg and 2 O.
What type of reaction is magnesium and oxygen?
It is a combination reaction: two or more substances join to form a single product. Magnesium ribbon burns with a dazzling white flame and leaves a white powder of magnesium oxide.
How do you balance Mg + O₂ → MgO?
Start with the biggest formula, O₂: put 1 in front of it. O: 2 on the left. Put 2 in front of MgO. Mg: 2 on the right. Put 2 in front of Mg. Never change a subscript, because that would change the substance.