Is Mg2O2 a correct formula for Magnesium Oxide? Why or why not?
Answers
MgO
Explanation:
When we write the formula for an ionic compound like magnesium oxide, we take care of the valencies on each of the ion.
The valency of each ion is written in the subscript of the corresponding ion ignoring the signs. Such as in case of magnesium oxide, the valency of magnesium is +2 and that of oxygen is -2. We may write it as mg2o2.
But here is another thing that we reduce the subscripts to least possible whole number therefore, it is actually written as MgO, where 2 is cancelled by 2
No, Mg2O2 is not the correct formula for Magnesium Oxide.
- This is because the formula of a compound tells us about the minimum no of atoms of each component combined together.
- Here, the oxidation no of Mg is +2 and the oxidation no of oxygen is -2.
- So, one atom of Mg and one atom of O will simply react to form magnesium oxide.
- So, the molecular formula of magnesium oxide will be MgO.