Answer:
C. The reaction can be broken down and performed in steps
Explanation:
Hess's Law of Constant Heat Summation states that irrespective of the number of steps followed in a reaction, the total enthalpy change for the reaction is the sum of all enthalpy changes corresponding to all the steps in the overall reaction. The implication of this law is that the change of enthalpy in a chemical reaction is independent of the pathway between the initial and final states of the system.
To obtain MgO safely without exposing magnesium to flame, the reaction sequence shown in the image attached may be carried out. Since the enthalpy of the overall reaction is independent of the pathway between the initial and final states of the system, the sum of the enthalpy of each step yields the enthalpy of formation of MgO.
