Mercury (II) oxide decomposes to mercury and oxygen. In the chemical equation below, what is the subscript, x, on the oxygen equal to? ------------- 2 HgO --> 2 Hg + O-x-
The correct subscript for the reaction would be two. Oxygen gas exists as a diatomic molecule in nature. Also, the subscript two would balance the reaction. In balancing reactions, it is important that the atoms on each side of the reaction is equal.
