Name the missing element in the following word equation: [blank] + oxygen -> copper...

Check the final answer first, then review the worked steps.

Problem

Name the missing element in the following word equation: [blank] + oxygen -> copper oxide

Answer

Copper

Step-by-step solution

  1. Analyze the word equation: The equation provided is a chemical reaction represented by words. It shows that a missing element reacts with oxygen to produce copper oxide.
  1. Identify the product: The product of the reaction is "copper oxide". This indicates that the elements involved in forming copper oxide are copper and oxygen.
  1. Identify the known reactant: One of the reactants is "oxygen".
  1. Determine the missing reactant: Since the product is copper oxide and oxygen is one of the reactants, the missing element must be copper. Copper is a chemical element that reacts with oxygen to form copper oxides.
  1. Write the balanced word equation: Copper + Oxygen $\rightarrow$ Copper Oxide