Understand the Mystery of MgO: Magnesium + Oxygen Chemistry

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The discussion centers on the chemical reaction between magnesium and oxygen to form magnesium oxide, represented by the equation Mg + O2 = MgO. A participant questions the absence of one oxygen atom, suggesting it should be MgO2. The response clarifies that the formula is correct as written, explaining that magnesium loses two electrons (Mg^+2) while oxygen gains two (O^-2), resulting in the neutral compound MgO. It emphasizes the importance of balancing the reaction, noting that the correct balanced equation is 2Mg + O2 -> 2MgO, ensuring that the number of atoms for each element is equal on both sides of the equation. The conversation concludes with acknowledgment of the clarification provided.
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So I'm taking chemistry again after a five hear hiatus from the topic and I would really appreciate an explanation on a certain formula.

magnesium +oxygen forms magnesium oxide
Mg+O2=MgO
My question is, what happened to the 1 of the oxygen atoms?
Shouldn't it be MgO2?
 
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Faiien said:
So I'm taking chemistry again after a five hear hiatus from the topic and I would really appreciate an explanation on a certain formula.

magnesium +oxygen forms magnesium oxide
Mg+O2=MgO
My question is, what happened to the 1 of the oxygen atoms?
Shouldn't it be MgO2?


you shud write Mg and O in separate ion form = Mg^+2 + O^-2 = so, magnesium gives 2 electrons and oxygen takes 2 elctrons, the 2's cancel out = MgO. You have to realize that the end molecule has a net charge of zero, its electrically neutral.
 
Faiien said:
magnesium +oxygen forms magnesium oxide
Mg+O2=MgO

All three formulas are correct. However, this is just a skeletal reaction equation, that is - it contains correct formulas, but it is not yet correct otherwise.

My question is, what happened to the 1 of the oxygen atoms?
Shouldn't it be MgO2?

No, formula is correct and it shouldn't be modified. Where is the oxygen? Reaction should be balanced - that is, you should add stoichiometric coefficients so that number of atoms of all elements on both sides is identical:

2Mg + O2 -> 2MgO

Now everything is OK.

--
 
Borek said:
All three formulas are correct. However, this is just a skeletal reaction equation, that is - it contains correct formulas, but it is not yet correct otherwise.



No, formula is correct and it shouldn't be modified. Where is the oxygen? Reaction should be balanced - that is, you should add stoichiometric coefficients so that number of atoms of all elements on both sides is identical:

2Mg + O2 -> 2MgO

Now everything is OK.


--
ChemBuddy chemical calculators - buffer calculator, stoichiometry calculator
www.ph-meter.info - ph meter, ph electrode[/QUOTE


Yes its right. But i was not sure what you were asking in the original question:)
 
Me?

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Haha, ah I see now, thank you everyone.
 
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