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

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the complete equation for the formation of a metal oxide, represented as MO. Participants explore the nature of metals in reactions, particularly whether they react as atoms or molecules, and how to balance the chemical equation involving oxygen.

Discussion Character

  • Homework-related, Conceptual clarification, Technical explanation

Main Points Raised

  • One participant proposes that the reaction for forming the oxide can be represented as M + O2 = MO or M2 + O2 = MO, questioning the state of metals in the reaction.
  • Another participant suggests determining the number of atoms in the reactants to balance the equation properly, emphasizing that the right-hand side contains MO.
  • A participant expresses confusion about how to calculate the number of M atoms that would form a molecule, indicating a need for clarity on the bonding of metals.
  • One response highlights that the number of oxygen atoms in the metal oxide depends on the charge of the metal ion, suggesting that balancing charges is essential for determining the formula unit.
  • Another participant notes that most metals do not form molecules and instead suggests using the term "formula units" to describe metal oxides.
  • A participant asserts that metals do not form diatomic bonds, proposing a simplified reaction format of M(s) + O2 -> ____.
  • One reply clarifies that diatomic bonds refer to diatomic molecules, acknowledging their existence under specific conditions.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express varying views on the nature of metals in reactions, with some asserting that metals do not form diatomic molecules while others acknowledge the existence of diatomic molecules under certain conditions. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the specifics of how metals react and how to balance the equations accurately.

Contextual Notes

Participants mention the importance of understanding the periodic table and the properties of different groups of elements, as well as the concept of bonding, which may influence the formation of metal oxides.

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

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