Question

Magnesium metal burns in the presence of oxygen to yield Magnesium oxide. Which of the following chemical equation represents this reaction correctly.
Group of answer choices

Mg(s) O2(g) --> MgO (s)

Mg(s) + O(g) --> MgO (s)

Mg(s) + O2(g) --> MgO2 (s)

Mg(s) + O2(g) --> MgO (s)

Answer 1

The correct chemical equation representing the reaction between magnesium metal and oxygen to yield magnesium oxide is:

**Mg(s) + O2(g) → 2 MgO(s)**

However, among the options you've provided, the closest correct choice is:

**Mg(s) + O2(g) --> MgO (s)**

But please note that this equation is incomplete in terms of balancing, as it does not account for the correct stoichiometry of the reaction. The correct balanced equation should reflect that two magnesium atoms react with one molecule of oxygen to produce two units of magnesium oxide:

**2 Mg(s) + O2(g) → 2 MgO(s)**

If "Mg(s) + O2(g) --> MgO (s)" is seen as an acceptable representation despite being unbalanced, it is the best of the choices you provided.