Question

Which element is reduced in the following reaction: 2Mg+O₂ → 2MgO if Mg goes from 0 to +2 and O goes from 0 to -2?

Mg and O

O

Mg

Neither element

Answer 1

O.

Step-by-step explanation:

• The element which is oxidized is the element that losses electrons and its oxidation state be more positive.

• The element which is reduced is the element that gain electrons and its oxidation state be more negative.

O goes from 0 to -2, so, it is the element that is reduced.