Question

Mg + O2 ----------- à Mgo can some one explain it to me how to balance this equation?

Answer 1

2Mg +O2-----> 2MgO............................................................... ...since the product side has only one oxygen we put 2 in front of mgo but when we put 2 there , product side will have 2mg also but reactant side has only one mg hence we put 2 in front of mg in reactant side...now the equation is balanced..since the reactant side and product side has 2 oxygen and 2 mg