What will be the complete equation for an oxide of a metal?

[Indranil]

Homework Statement

What will be the complete equation if an oxide of a metal is MO?

3. The Attempt at a Solution
M + O2 = MO or M2 + O2 = MO
As far as I know, non-metals come as molecules such as O2, N2 etc But I am confused about metals. in the reactant, do metals react as a molecule or as an atom-like above?

 

[CWatters]

Find out how many atoms of each element make a molecule of that element. Then you can write the left hand side of the equation.

The right hand side contains MO.

Then make adjustments to ensure the equation balances.

 

[Indranil]

Find out how many atoms of each element make a molecule of that element. Then you can write the left hand side of the equation.

The right hand side contains MO.

Then make adjustments to ensure the equation balances.

That's the problem. As I know 2 atoms of 'O' make a molecule of O2 But how to calculate the atoms of M that makes a molecule?

 

[symbolipoint]

How many oxygens in the metal oxide depends on the metal. What is the charge of the metal ion? Know that or find that; and then balance with the needed moles of oxygen. The charges of plus and minus must balance for the metal oxide formula unit.

 

[CWatters]

That's the problem. As I know 2 atoms of 'O' make a molecule of O2 But how to calculate the atoms of M that makes a molecule?

The periodic table breaks down into groups that in general behave similarly. You will have to read up on the different groups, their properties and the way bonding works.

Most metals don't form molecules due to the way they share electrons.

Have you covered the different types of bonds yet?

 

[symbolipoint]

The periodic table breaks down into groups that in general behave similarly. You will have to read up on the different groups, their properties and the way bonding works.

Most metals don't form molecules due to the way they share electrons.

Note the idea of "formula units" instead of "molecules".

 

[Hammad Shahid]

As far as I know, metals do not form diatomic bonds. You would just put M(s) + O2 -> ____

 

[Borek]

diatomic bonds

I guess you mean diatomic molecules.

Sure they exist, although in a rather exotic conditions, compare https://webbook.nist.gov/cgi/inchi?ID=C25681792&Mask=1000