Here's why:
* MgO is a very stable compound: The ionic bond between magnesium and oxygen is strong.
* Ca is a reactive metal: It readily reacts with oxygen.
The reaction can be represented as follows:
MgO + Ca → Mg + CaO
Here's a breakdown of the reaction:
* Calcium (Ca) is a more reactive metal than magnesium (Mg).
* At high temperatures, calcium will displace magnesium from its oxide, forming calcium oxide (CaO) and leaving behind magnesium (Mg).
Important Note: This reaction is not practical at room temperature or under normal conditions. It requires high temperatures (above the melting point of both calcium and magnesium) to overcome the energy barrier for the reaction to occur.