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).

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