Solid magnesium carbonate (MgCO₃) decomposes into carbon dioxide gas and solid magnesium oxide. Write a balanced chemical equation for this reaction.
The Correct Answer and Explanation is:
The decomposition of solid magnesium carbonate (MgCO₃) can be represented by the following balanced chemical equation:
[
\text{MgCO}_3 (s) \rightarrow \text{MgO} (s) + \text{CO}_2 (g)
]
Explanation:
This reaction involves the breakdown of magnesium carbonate (MgCO₃) into two products: magnesium oxide (MgO) and carbon dioxide (CO₂).
1. Reactant: Magnesium Carbonate (MgCO₃):
Magnesium carbonate is a white, crystalline solid that occurs naturally as a mineral. When it is heated, it undergoes decomposition, breaking down into magnesium oxide and carbon dioxide. This reaction is an example of a decomposition reaction, where a single reactant breaks down into two or more products.
2. Products: Magnesium Oxide (MgO) and Carbon Dioxide (CO₂):
- Magnesium oxide (MgO) is a white solid formed when magnesium reacts with oxygen. In this case, it forms as a result of the magnesium ion from magnesium carbonate bonding with oxygen atoms.
- Carbon dioxide (CO₂) is a colorless, odorless gas that is commonly produced in chemical reactions involving carbonates. In this reaction, CO₂ is released as a gas when the carbonate decomposes.
3. Balancing the Equation:
The initial equation shows one molecule of magnesium carbonate (MgCO₃) on the left side, producing one molecule of magnesium oxide (MgO) and one molecule of carbon dioxide (CO₂) on the right side. In this case, the equation is already balanced, with equal numbers of atoms on both sides of the reaction:
- Magnesium: 1 atom on both sides.
- Carbon: 1 atom on both sides.
- Oxygen: 3 atoms in the carbonate on the left, 3 atoms in the products (2 in CO₂ and 1 in MgO) on the right.
4. Reaction Type:
This is a decomposition reaction, where a compound (MgCO₃) breaks down into simpler substances (MgO and CO₂). Decomposition reactions often require heat or some form of energy to proceed, as seen in this case.
In summary, the decomposition of magnesium carbonate results in the formation of magnesium oxide and carbon dioxide, as shown by the balanced chemical equation.