Question

How is 2 Mg(s) + O2(g) → 2 MgO(s) unbalanced?

Answer 1

Because you have two oxygens

Answer 2

on the reactant side

Answer 3

Wait

Answer 4

There is a 2 on the product side that essentially distributes to the O making it have 2 oxygens too

Answer 5

What makes you think it's unbalanced because it is balanced

Answer 6

I know that it is balanced in the sense that there is an equal amount of elements on each side. I'm supposed to find and think about all ways the equation is balanced and is unbalanced. I've been racking my brain trying to think of ways it could be unbalanced, but I'm not very good at stoichiometry or calculating moles, mass, energy change, reaction rates, etc. So I'm not sure how to find any way it isn't balanced.

Answer 7

The thing I think makes it unbalanced is the (g) and (s)

Answer 8

Because everything else besides those is all balanced

Answer 9

But would just having different states of matter be a reason to say it is "unbalanced"? That was the only thing I could think of too but I'm not really sure why it would be unbalanced just because of that.

Answer 10

Well actually

Answer 11

I think I know why now

Answer 12

Why?

Answer 13

Wait nvm

Answer 14

I really am positive that this is balanced

Answer 15

I would ask your teacher about this, it may be a mistake.

Answer 16

Okay. Thanks for your help :) Do you think the energy of it is all balanced too?

Answer 17

It's all balanced

Answer 18

I dont know what you mean by energy, but when it comes to balancing

Answer 19

Every side has to have the same amount of elements.

Answer 20

Just keep practicing, I remember I had a little trouble with balancing equations with some practice I finally got it.

Answer 21

Message me if you ever need help, and I'll gladly help you :D

Answer 22

Okay thanks a ton again :) Will do. :)