In the burning reaction of magnesium, the coefficient of the oxygen molecule displaystyle \(\mathrm{O_2}\) is 1. What will be the coefficient of magnesium displaystyle \(\mathrm{Mg}\) in the balanced equation?
Answer and explanation
Correct answer: Two
The balanced equation is
displaystyle \(2\mathrm{Mg}+\mathrm{O_2}\rightarrow2\mathrm{MgO}\). One
displaystyle \(\mathrm{O_2}\) molecule contains 2 oxygen atoms. Since each unit of
displaystyle \(\mathrm{MgO}\) contains 1 oxygen atom, 2 units of
displaystyle \(\mathrm{MgO}\) are formed, requiring 2 magnesium atoms. Therefore, the coefficient of magnesium is 2. A coefficient of 1 would not balance the number of magnesium atoms on both sides.
Frequently asked questions
What is the correct answer to this question?
Two
Why is this the correct answer?
The balanced equation is
displaystyle \(2\mathrm{Mg}+\mathrm{O_2}\rightarrow2\mathrm{MgO}\). One
displaystyle \(\mathrm{O_2}\) molecule contains 2 oxygen atoms. Since each unit of
displaystyle \(\mathrm{MgO}\) contains 1 oxygen atom, 2 units of
displaystyle \(\mathrm{MgO}\) are formed, requiring 2 magnesium atoms. Therefore, the coefficient of magnesium is 2. A coefficient of 1 would not balance the number of magnesium atoms on both sides.
Which subject and chapter does this question cover?
This is a Class 10 Science question. Chapter: Chemical Substances – Nature and Behaviour. Topic: Chemical Reactions and Equations.
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