Question

What is the balanced equation for the combustion of magnesium?

A. Mg (s) +O2 (g) >MgO(g)
B. Mg (s) +O2 (g) >MgO2(g)
C. 2 Mg (s) + O2 (g) > 2 MgO (s)
D. Mg (s) + 2 O2 (g) > MgO4^2- (aq)

Answer 1

option a

mg atomic number is 12

the electronic configuration is 2, 8, 2

Oxygen atomic number is 8

the electronic configuration is 2,7

the magnesium will try to give away 2 electron to get to the form of noble gas configuration, hence oxygen needs one more to get to noble gas hence it will take two elements of oxygen to form MgO.