The compound 2MgO (magnesium oxide) is formed through a redox reaction between magnesium (Mg) and oxygen (O₂). Here’s a step-by-step explanation of how magnesium oxide is formed:

Step 1: Magnesium and Oxygen Reaction

Magnesium is a metal, and oxygen is a non-metal. When magnesium burns in the presence of oxygen, it forms magnesium oxide (MgO).

Magnesium+Oxygen→Magnesium Oxide\text{Magnesium} + \text{Oxygen} \rightarrow \text{Magnesium Oxide} 2Mg+O2→2MgO2Mg + O_2 \rightarrow 2MgO

Step 2: Electron Transfer (Redox Process)

This reaction is a redox (oxidation-reduction) reaction:

1. Magnesium (Mg) loses electrons (oxidation) to form Mg²⁺ ions. Mg→Mg2++2e−Mg \rightarrow Mg^{2+} + 2e^-
2. Oxygen (O₂) gains electrons (reduction) to form O²⁻ ions. O2+4e−→2O2−O_2 + 4e^- \rightarrow 2O^{2-}
3. The Mg²⁺ and O²⁻ ions attract each other and form ionic bonds, creating magnesium oxide (MgO).

Step 3: Formation of 2MgO

Since two magnesium atoms react with one oxygen molecule (O₂), the balanced chemical equation is:

2Mg+O2→2MgO2Mg + O_2 \rightarrow 2MgO

This means two units of magnesium oxide (MgO) are produced.

Key Points

• Reaction type: Combination reaction and redox reaction.
• Oxidation: Magnesium loses electrons to form Mg²⁺.
• Reduction: Oxygen gains electrons to form O²⁻.
• Product: Magnesium oxide (MgO) is formed with ionic bonds.
• Equation: 2Mg+O2→2MgO2Mg + O_2 \rightarrow 2MgO.

This is why 2MgO is formed when magnesium reacts with oxygen.