Question

Burning magnesium gives us magnesium oxide. This is an example of a reaction.

Answer 1

Answer: -

Oxidation, Oxygen

Explanation: -

Burning of magnesium gives us magnesium oxide.

The chemical symbol of magnesium is Mg.

The chemical symbol of magnesium oxide is MgO.

So, the balanced chemical equation is

2Mg + O2 – 2 MgO.

We see that the element added is O Oxygen. So, the reaction is oxidation.

In oxidation always, oxygen is the common element involved in all chemical reactions of this kind.

Answer 2

The given reaction can be represented as,

$2Mg (s) + O_{2}(g) ---> 2MgO (s)$

In this reaction, two elements (Mg and $O_{2}$) combine to form a single compound, MgO. Hence, this reaction is an example of chemical combination or synthesis. Here as the element Mg is oxidized in the presence of $O_{2}$ to form MgO. This is referred to as combustion reaction. In combustion reaction, elements or compounds react with oxygen to give their respective oxides.