Magnesium is a highly flammable element which is easily combustible in the presence of oxygen:
?? + heat
How many atoms would you expect to find on the product side of this equation?
An C

When magnesium (Mg) burns in the presence of oxygen (O₂), it forms magnesium oxide (MgO). The balanced chemical equation for this reaction is:

On the product side, you would find a total of four atoms: two magnesium atoms (from 2 MgO) and two oxygen atoms (from 2 MgO). So, it’s 2 Mg + 2 O = 4 atoms in total!

Notably, magnesium is not just flammable – it burns bright white when ignited, which is why it’s often used in fireworks and flares to create that stunning effect. The bright light produced is due to the intense heat generated during the reaction, as it burns at a temperature exceeding 3,100 degrees Celsius!

Additionally, the reaction of magnesium with oxygen is an excellent example of exothermic reactions in chemistry. This means that it releases heat energy, which is great not just for fireworks but also in pyrotechnic displays! Always remember to handle magnesium with care, as it can create a serious fire hazard if not managed properly!