what the formula for magnesium oxide
A. Mg20
B. Mg0
C. Mg02
D. Mg203
I will be happy to critique your thinking on this.
C. MgO2
The correct formula for magnesium oxide is represented by the chemical symbol for magnesium (Mg) and oxygen (O).
Therefore, the correct formula for magnesium oxide is MgO, represented by option B.
Option A (Mg20) is incorrect because it indicates that there are 20 atoms of oxygen, which is not the case.
Option C (Mg02) is incorrect because it also implies there are two atoms of oxygen, whereas there is only one atom of oxygen in magnesium oxide.
Option D (Mg203) is incorrect as it suggests the presence of three oxygen atoms, which is not accurate for magnesium oxide.
To determine the correct formula for magnesium oxide, you need to understand the concept of chemical formula and the valence (oxidation) numbers of the elements involved.
In the case of magnesium oxide, we know that magnesium (Mg) has a +2 oxidation number, and oxygen (O) has a -2 oxidation number. To determine the formula, we need to find the lowest whole number ratio between the two elements.
Given that the oxidation number of magnesium is +2 and oxygen is -2, we can write the chemical formula as MgO. This implies that for every one magnesium atom, there is one oxygen atom in the compound.
Therefore, option B (Mg0) is the correct formula for magnesium oxide, as it represents the correct combination of magnesium and oxygen atoms with their proper oxidation numbers.