To write the balanced chemical equation for the dissociation of solid magnesium hydroxide (Mg(OH)2) in water, we first need to understand the chemical formula of magnesium hydroxide and the concept of dissociation.
The chemical formula of magnesium hydroxide is Mg(OH)2. It consists of one magnesium ion (Mg2+) and two hydroxide ions (OH-). When solid magnesium hydroxide is dissolved in water, it breaks down into its respective ions.
To write the balanced equation, we can use the following steps:
Step 1: Write the chemical formula of magnesium hydroxide (Mg(OH)2).
Step 2: Indicate the dissociation of the compounds into ions. Mg(OH)2(s) → Mg2+(aq) + 2OH-(aq)
Step 3: Balance the equation by ensuring that the number of atoms on both sides of the equation is equal. In this case, there is only one magnesium on each side, and two hydroxide ions on each side, so the equation is already balanced.
Therefore, the balanced chemical equation for the dissociation of solid magnesium hydroxide in water is:
Mg(OH)2(s) → Mg2+(aq) + 2OH-(aq)
The (s) represents the solid state, while (aq) represents the aqueous (dissolved) state of the ions in water.