magnesium + oxygen

does anyone know the balanced symbol equation for magnesium + oxygen

This is homework, and belongs on the homework board.
Why don't you "google" this?

:rolleyes:

Magnesium oxide - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Magnesium_oxide)

Step 1: Do you know the reaction of magnesium with oxygen? You should. Or perhaps, you don't know what that is. If that's so, this reaction is in fact the burning of magnesium.

Step 2: Write the word equation, with the products.

Step 3: Replace the elements and compounds by their corresponding symbols. Remember that elements, for example sodium is written as Na and compounds comprised of molecules such as nitrogen is N2. Other compounds have their own formula, for example, calcium oxide is CaO.

Step 4: Check if the number of individual atoms is the same on both sides of the equation. For example,

C + O2 --> CO2

One C atom on both sides, good!
Two O atoms on both sides, good!

But,

H2 + O2 --> H2O

Two H on both sides, good!
Two O on the left hand side but only one on the right hand side, not good!

Balance:

2H2 + O2 --> 2H2O

Now, there are equal number of atoms on both sides!

Hope it helped! :)