In examining the reaction between calcium (Ca) in its solid form and oxygen (O₂) in its gaseous form, we must determine what product is formed when these elements react.
1. Identify the Reactants: The reactants given are:
- Calcium (Ca) in solid form.
- Oxygen (O₂) in gaseous form.
2. Understand the Nature of the Reaction:
- Calcium is a metal.
- Oxygen is a diatomic gas that usually reacts with metals to form oxides.
3. Predict the Product:
- Typically, when a metal reacts with oxygen, it forms a metal oxide.
4. Consider the Possible Products:
- Option A: [tex]\( CaO_2(s) \)[/tex] : This implies calcium peroxide, which is not a common result of direct reaction between calcium and oxygen.
- Option B: [tex]\( 2 Ca(s) + O_2(g) \)[/tex] : This represents the reactants but not the product.
- Option C: [tex]\( CaO(s) \)[/tex] : This is calcium oxide, a common product of the reaction between calcium and oxygen.
- Option D: [tex]\( Ca_2O(s) \)[/tex] : This does not align with typical stoichiometry for calcium oxide.
5. Choose the Correct Product:
- The typical product when calcium reacts with oxygen is calcium oxide, with the formula [tex]\( CaO \)[/tex].
Therefore, the answer is:
[tex]\[ \boxed{CaO(s)} \][/tex]
