preview

Synthesis Of Magnesium Oxide

Decent Essays
Open Document
In the first reaction, the copper wire reacted with oxygen from the air in the reaction 2Cu(s) + O₂(g) → 2CuO(s). This is apparent because it was observed that copper underwent a chemical reaction, changing color form a shiny orange color to the dark gray color characteristic of copper(II) oxide. Therefore, the product of this reaction is copper(II) oxide. The reaction is a synthesis reaction because copper and oxygen combine to form one compound.

In the second reaction, when the magnesium ribbon is heated, it undergoes the reaction, 2Mg(s) + O₂(g) → 2MgO(s). The magnesium reacted with oxygen in the air to form magnesium oxide when the magnesium ribbon was heated and it produced a white, matte, and crumbly product. This indicates that the the product formed is magnesium oxide, a dull, white, substance. The reaction is classified as a synthesis reaction because the magnesium and oxygen combined to form one product.

The third reaction is represented by the formula CuCO₃(s) → CuO(s) + CO₂(g). When heated, the copper(II) carbonate breaks down into the products copper(II) oxide and carbon dioxide. We know this because our wood splint stopped flaming the instant it was inserted into the test tube containing the gaseous byproduct of the reaction. Because the flame was extinguished by the gas, we can infer that the gaseous byproduct of the reaction was carbon dioxide, thus leaving the the solid copper oxide in the test tube. The reaction is a decomposition reaction because
Get Access
Related
Get Access