What are the three main types of chemical equations?

1. Word equations - Uses the names of reactants and products.

2. Symbol equations - Uses chemical formulas and symbols.

3. Balanced symbol equations - Shows the number of reactants and products in a reaction.

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What is the word equation for the reaction between magnesium and oxygen?

magnesium + oxygen ➔ magnesium oxide

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How can the equation 'Mg + O₂ —> MgO' be balanced?

To balance the oxygen atoms, we need to add a coefficient of 2 in front of the magnesium oxide (MgO) on the right side. This gives us:

Mg + O₂ —> 2MgO

Now there are 2 oxygen atoms on both sides.

To balance the magnesium atoms, we need to add a coefficient of 2 in front of the magnesium  (Mg) on the left side. This gives us:

2Mg + O₂ —> 2MgO

Now there are 2 magnesium atoms on both sides.


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