What will be the ratio of magnesium atoms to oxygen atoms in three units of magnesium oxide?
Answer and explanation
Correct answer: One to one
Magnesium oxide has the formula MgO, which shows that each formula unit contains one magnesium atom and one oxygen atom. Three formula units therefore contain three magnesium atoms and three oxygen atoms. The ratio is 3:3, which simplifies by dividing both terms by 3 to 1:1. The number of units changes the quantities but not the fixed composition of the compound, so option A is correct.
Frequently asked questions
What is the correct answer to this question?
One to one
Why is this the correct answer?
Magnesium oxide has the formula MgO, which shows that each formula unit contains one magnesium atom and one oxygen atom. Three formula units therefore contain three magnesium atoms and three oxygen atoms. The ratio is 3:3, which simplifies by dividing both terms by 3 to 1:1. The number of units changes the quantities but not the fixed composition of the compound, so option A is correct.
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.
