A metal oxide having an oxidation state of +2 contains 40% oxygen by weight. Identify this metal.

To solve this problem, we write the formula of the oxide, since the oxide itself is not known, let us call it MeO. Oxygen has an atomic mass of 16. According to the condition, oxygen is 40% of the mass of the oxide, hence the mass of the oxide is 16 / 0.4 = 40 g. Knowing the mass of the oxide, you can easily find the metal according to the periodic table. 40 – 16 = 24. Magnesium has an atomic mass of 24. So the oxide we are talking about is MgO.
The answer is the metal magnesium.



One of the components of a person's success in our time is receiving modern high-quality education, mastering the knowledge, skills and abilities necessary for life in society. A person today needs to study almost all his life, mastering everything new and new, acquiring the necessary professional qualities.