The chemical equation shows the burning of magnesium (Mg) with oxygen (O2) to form magnesium oxide (MgO). 2 Mg plus cap o sub 2 rightarrow 2 MgO Niven wants to calculate the mass of MgO that is produced by the burning of 28 point 0 g of Mg What is the first step in Niven’s calculation?
Answer
A
Find the number of Mg atoms in the sample.
B
Balance the chemical equation.
C
Convert grams of Mg to moles.
D
Determine whether heat is given off by this reaction.
Explanation
To find the mass of MgO from a given mass of Mg, first convert the 28.0 g of Mg to moles using magnesium’s molar mass. Then the balanced equation’s mole ratio can be used to find moles of MgO, which can be converted to grams. The first step is therefore “Convert grams of Mg to moles.”
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