Magnesium Reacting with Steam

Mg + H2O → MgO + H2

Aperçu

Magnesium reacts with steam to produce magnesium oxide and hydrogen gas. The reaction is vigorous and highly exothermic. Hot magnesium burns with an intense white flame even in steam, making this a dramatic and instructive demonstration of the high reactivity of magnesium.

Participants

Rôle Substance Coefficient État
Réactif Magnesium Mg 1 (s)
Réactif Water H₂O 1 (g)
Produit Magnesium Oxide MgO 1 (s)
Produit Hydrogen H 1 (g)

Exemple du quotidien

Magnesium fires cannot be extinguished with water because magnesium reacts with steam, producing hydrogen gas that adds fuel to the fire.

Importance industrielle

This reaction is a safety concern in magnesium processing plants and during fires involving magnesium components. Special dry chemical or sand extinguishers are required.

Propriétés

Type
Single Replacement
Réversible
Non
Énergie
Exothermique
ΔH
-361,0 kJ/mol

Réactions associées

Aluminum Reacting with Iron(III) Oxide (Thermite) Chlorine Displacing Iodine from Potassium Iodide 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 Magnesium Reacting with Hydrochloric Acid Fluorine Displacing Chlorine from Sodium Chloride

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the equation for Magnesium Reacting with Steam?
The balanced equation is: Mg + H₂O → MgO + H₂.
What type of reaction is Magnesium Reacting with Steam?
Magnesium Reacting with Steam is a single replacement reaction.
Is Magnesium Reacting with Steam exothermic or endothermic?
Magnesium Reacting with Steam is exothermic (releases energy). The enthalpy change (ΔH) is -361.0 kJ/mol.