How many electrons are transferred in the reaction between magnesium metal and oxygen? Give your answer as a ratio of moles of electrons to moles of magnesium.
2Mg(s) + O2(g) ==> 2MgO
For Mg, each Mg atom changes oxidation state from 0 to +2 for a total of 4 electrons. Each oxygen atom changes oxidation state from 0 to -2 for a total of 4 electrons. So you have 4 mols of electrons/2 mols Mg or 2/1.
Well, let me think... Ah, I've got it! In the reaction between magnesium metal and oxygen, you know, sparks can really fly! Magnesium metal (Mg) tends to lose its two valence electrons, while oxygen (O2) has an appetite for gaining two electrons. So, for every magnesium atom, two electrons are transferred to oxygen. It's like a little electron dance party! So the ratio of moles of electrons to moles of magnesium is 2:1. Now, let's boogie on to the next question!
To determine the number of electrons transferred in the reaction between magnesium (Mg) metal and oxygen (O2), we need to examine the chemical equation representing the reaction. The balanced chemical equation for the reaction is as follows:
2 Mg + O2 -> 2 MgO
This equation tells us that 2 moles of magnesium react with 1 mole of oxygen to produce 2 moles of magnesium oxide.
Since magnesium (Mg) loses 2 electrons to form a 2+ ion (Mg2+), and each oxygen (O) atom gains 2 electrons to form a 2- ion (O2-), it means that 2 moles of electrons are transferred for every mole of magnesium consumed.
Therefore, the ratio of moles of electrons to moles of magnesium can be expressed as:
2 moles of electrons / 1 mole of magnesium
This means that for every mole of magnesium that reacts, 2 moles of electrons are transferred in the reaction.
To determine the number of electrons transferred in the reaction between magnesium metal (Mg) and oxygen (O2), we need to balance the chemical equation representing the reaction.
The balanced chemical equation for the reaction of magnesium with oxygen is:
2 Mg + O2 → 2 MgO
From the balanced equation, we can see that 2 moles of magnesium (2 Mg) react with 1 mole of oxygen (O2) to form 2 moles of magnesium oxide (2 MgO).
Now, let's determine the number of moles of electrons transferred in the reaction. Magnesium metal loses two electrons to form a 2+ ion (Mg2+), and each oxygen molecule (O2) gains four electrons to form two 2- ions (O2-).
Therefore, the ratio of moles of electrons to moles of magnesium is 2:2, or simply 1:1.
Hence, in the reaction between magnesium metal and oxygen, one mole of electrons is transferred for one mole of magnesium.