Question about heating an oxide

[pinky2468]

I have this post lab question that I am not sure how to answer...
What error in calculation would result if, in the procedure for forming the magnesium oxide, the fumes in the intial heating were allowed to escape?
Any help would be great! Thanks!

[chem_tr]

Hello,

Magnesium oxide is produced from magnesium powder (or wire, the physical structure is not important) and oxygen gas:

Mg + \frac {1}{2}~O_2 \xrightarrow {heat} MgO

The initial fumes are probably oxygen gas, the inevitable reactant to convert to the oxide. I think you got the point already. The rest is up to you.