In the reaction 2Mg + O2 → 2MgO, which element is oxidized? (2021)

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Question: In the reaction 2Mg + O2 → 2MgO, which element is oxidized? (2021)

Options:

Correct Answer: Magnesium

Exam Year: 2021

Solution:

Magnesium is oxidized as it loses electrons and its oxidation state increases from 0 to +2.

In the reaction 2Mg + O2 → 2MgO, which element is oxidized? (2021)

In the reaction 2Mg + O2 → 2MgO, which element is oxidized? (2021)

Step 1: Identify the reactants in the reaction, which are magnesium (Mg) and oxygen (O2).
Step 2: Look at the oxidation states of the elements before the reaction. Magnesium (Mg) has an oxidation state of 0, and oxygen (O2) also has an oxidation state of 0.
Step 3: Determine the oxidation states after the reaction. In magnesium oxide (MgO), magnesium has an oxidation state of +2, and oxygen has an oxidation state of -2.
Step 4: Identify which element has changed its oxidation state. Magnesium's oxidation state increased from 0 to +2.
Step 5: Conclude that magnesium is oxidized because it lost electrons (its oxidation state increased).

Oxidation and Reduction – Oxidation involves the loss of electrons and an increase in oxidation state, while reduction involves the gain of electrons and a decrease in oxidation state.
Oxidation States – Understanding how to assign oxidation states to elements in a compound is crucial for identifying oxidation and reduction in chemical reactions.