Help With Balancing CO2+ Mg -> MgC + O2

  • Thread starter Thread starter shikagami
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Co2
Click For Summary

Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around balancing the chemical equation for the reaction between carbon dioxide (CO2) and magnesium (Mg). Participants explore the products of this reaction and the states of matter involved, as well as the underlying chemistry of the process.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Technical explanation
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses uncertainty about whether their balanced equation is correct and asks for help with the states of matter.
  • Another participant requests clarification on the initial reasoning and the starting materials for the equation.
  • A participant describes the reaction of dry ice with burning magnesium pellets, suggesting that magnesium and carbon will combine and release oxygen.
  • One participant states that the actual question involves magnesium reacting with CO2 to produce a white solid and a black solid, prompting a request for the balanced equation.
  • A link is shared to a demonstration of the reaction, questioning if the reaction is simply between carbon dioxide and magnesium.
  • Another participant expresses doubt about magnesium combining with oxygen, thanking another for clarification.
  • A later reply challenges the initial claim about the products, stating that the proposed compound MgC would require unusual oxidation states for magnesium and carbon, and notes the need for two solid products instead of one solid and one gas.
  • One participant comments on the violent oxidation of magnesium when it burns in air, implying a common misunderstanding about magnesium's reactivity.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on the balanced equation or the products of the reaction. There are competing views regarding the nature of the products and the states of matter involved.

Contextual Notes

There are unresolved assumptions regarding the oxidation states of magnesium and carbon, as well as the specific products of the reaction. The discussion reflects varying interpretations of the chemical process.

shikagami
Messages
42
Reaction score
0
I don't know if I solved this problem correctly.

Balance the equation:

CO2+ Mg -> MgC + O2

Is this the right end result and can someone help me figure out the state of matter for each.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
It's hard to know if it's the right end result if we don't see what you started with. Please show/explain your reasoning first.
 
well... the problem only gave me the first part of the equation which was the CO2 + Mg. This is the chemical process that occurs when dry ice is mixed with burning Magnesium pellets, which creates this fire work type of reaction. I figured that the magnesium and carbon will combine and release oxygen.
 
Last edited:
The actual question is Mg reacts with CO2 (Carbon dioxide) to give a white solid and a black solid. Provide the balanced equation for this reaction.
 
http://www.chem.umn.edu/services/lecturedemo/info/Magnesium_and_dry_ice.html

Is it really as simple as carbon dioxide and magnesium?
 
Last edited by a moderator:
I didn't think that Magnesium would combine with oxygen... thnx stmoe.
 
shikagami said:
I don't know if I solved this problem correctly.

Balance the equation:

CO2+ Mg -> MgC + O2

Is this the right end result and can someone help me figure out the state of matter for each.

Your answer can not be correct because :

1. The existence of something like MgC would require Mg to have a +4 oxidation state or C to have a +2 oxidation state. Both are extremely rare.

2. You want two solid products. You have one solid and one gas.

Anyway, the correct answer is posted by stmoe.
 
shikagami said:
I didn't think that Magnesium would combine with oxygen... thnx stmoe.
Well, what do you think happens when a magnesium ribbon burns in air ? It is among the most spectacular and violent oxidations you'll ever see !
 

Similar threads

Chemistry How do we interpret the steps in the algorithm to balance a redox equation?
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
3K
Balance Redox Reaction: 2PbO2 + 4H+ = 2Pb 2+ + O2 + 2H2O
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
3K
Calcium Carbonate & Dicalcium Phosphate - CO2 Problem
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
4K
What is the partial pressure of co2(product) given the v,t of 2 reacta
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
3K
Adding Sodium Oxalate to hard/soft/distilled water.
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
8K
Chemistry Homework Help: Calculating Mass from Chemical Reaction Equations
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
3K
How Many Liters of CO2 Does Eating a Giant Gummy Bear Produce?
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
Automotive Loss of gaseous volume because of fuel combustion
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
Solving Chemistry Problem: Reactions, CO2 & Volumes
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
Chemistry Partial pressure and moles problem?
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
5K