combination reaction. mg2+o2

2Mg + O2 ==> 2MgO

A combination reaction, also known as a synthesis or addition reaction, is a type of chemical reaction where two or more substances combine to form a single product. In the case of the reaction between magnesium (Mg) and oxygen (O2), it can be represented as:

2Mg + O2 → 2MgO

To understand this reaction, we need to know the valency or charges of the elements involved. Magnesium has a valency of +2, while oxygen has a valency of -2. Valency represents the combining capacity of an element.

To balance the equation, we need to ensure that the total charges on both sides of the reaction are equal. In this case, we have two magnesium atoms combining with one oxygen molecule to form two magnesium oxide molecules.

To balance the equation, we write 2 in front of MgO:

2Mg + O2 → 2MgO

This equation shows that two magnesium atoms react with one oxygen molecule to form two molecules of magnesium oxide.

This reaction can be observed when magnesium metal is burned in the presence of oxygen, such as in air. When ignited, magnesium reacts vigorously with oxygen, producing a bright white light and a powdery white ash of magnesium oxide (MgO).

To perform this reaction experimentally, you would need magnesium metal (Mg) and a source of oxygen, such as the oxygen in air (O2). You would ignite the magnesium metal, and it would react with the oxygen in the air, producing magnesium oxide.