Answer:
A half-reaction can be written to represent reduction. At the same time the magnesium atoms become ions, the oxygen atoms become –2 anions by gaining one electron each. By combining these two reactions, we have an oxidation reaction and a re- duction reaction, that are perfectly balanced.
Explanation:
Regroup terms.
2Mg+2O=2mgo
Subtract 2Mg2Mg from both sides.
2O=2mgo-2Mg
Factor out the common term 2.
2O=2(mgo-Mg)
Cancel 2 on both sides.
O=mgo−Mg
