What is the reaction half reaction for Mg plus O2 2Mgo?

Answer 1

The reaction of magnesium (Mg) with oxygen (O₂) to form magnesium oxide (MgO) can be represented by the half-reactions for each element. For magnesium, the oxidation half-reaction is:

[ \text{Mg} \rightarrow \text{Mg}^{2+} + 2e^- ]

For oxygen, the reduction half-reaction is:

[ \text{O}_2 + 4e^- + 2\text{H}_2O \rightarrow 4\text{OH}^- ]

Combining these half-reactions, you ultimately get the overall balanced reaction:

[ 2 \text{Mg} + \text{O}_2 \rightarrow 2 \text{MgO} ]