How would you balance the following equation: Mg+O2-->MgO?

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Answer 1 · 2018-04-28T03:53:47

#2Mg(s)+O_2(g)->2MgO(s)#

The unbalanced equation is:

#Mg(s)+O_2(g)->MgO(s)#

Multiply #MgO# by #2# to balance the oxygens.

#Mg(s)+O_2(g)->2MgO(s)#

Multiply #Mg# on the left side by #2# to balance the magnesiums.

#2Mg(s)+O_2(g)->2MgO(s)#

Now, there are equal amounts of magnesium atoms and oxygen atoms on both sides, and so the equation is balanced.