Magnesium Reacting with Nitric Acid

Mg + 2HNO3 → Mg(NO3)2 + H2

Aperçu

Magnesium reacts with dilute nitric acid to produce magnesium nitrate and hydrogen gas. With concentrated HNO3, nitrogen oxides form instead of hydrogen because nitric acid is an oxidizing acid. This reaction demonstrates the dual nature of nitric acid as both an acid and oxidizer.

Participants

Rôle Substance Coefficient État
Réactif Magnesium Mg 1 (s)
Réactif Nitric Acid HNO₃ 2 (aq)
Produit Hydrogen H 1 (g)

Exemple du quotidien

This reaction demonstrates why different acid concentrations can produce different products, an important concept in chemistry education.

Importance industrielle

Magnesium nitrate is used as a dehydrating agent, in pyrotechnics, and as a fertilizer component providing both magnesium and nitrogen.

Propriétés

Type
Single Replacement
Réversible
Non
Énergie
Exothermique
ΔH
-454,0 kJ/mol

Réactions associées

Aluminum Reacting with Iron(III) Oxide (Thermite) Chlorine Displacing Iodine from Potassium Iodide Magnesium Reacting with Steam Lithium Reacting with Water Aluminum Reacting with Hydrochloric Acid Aluminum Reducing Chromium Oxide (Aluminothermic) Iron Reacting with Hydrochloric Acid Iron Displacing Copper from Copper Sulfate Zinc Displacing Copper from Copper Sulfate Fluorine Displacing Chlorine from Sodium Chloride

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the equation for Magnesium Reacting with Nitric Acid?
The balanced equation is: Mg + 2HNO₃ → Mg(NO₃)₂ + H₂.
What type of reaction is Magnesium Reacting with Nitric Acid?
Magnesium Reacting with Nitric Acid is a single replacement reaction.
Is Magnesium Reacting with Nitric Acid exothermic or endothermic?
Magnesium Reacting with Nitric Acid is exothermic (releases energy). The enthalpy change (ΔH) is -454.0 kJ/mol.