Pure magnesium metal is often found as ribbons and can easily burn in the presence of oxygen. When 3.31 g of magnesium ribbon burns with 8.45 g of oxygen, a bright, white light and a white, powdery product are formed. Enter the balanced chemical equation for this reaction. Be sure to include all physical states.

2Mg(s) + O2(g) >2MgO(s)

Explanation:

In writing a balanced chemical reaction equation, the rule of thumb is that the number of atoms of each element on the reactant side must be the same as the number of atoms of the same elements on the products side.

Hence for the reaction of magnesium and oxygen shown below;

2Mg(s) + O2(g) >2MgO(s)

We notice that there are two atoms each of magnesium and oxygen on both sides of the reaction equation hence the equation is balanced.