Magnesium Reacting with Hydrochloric Acid
Mg + 2HCl → MgCl2 + H2
Overview
Magnesium reacts vigorously with hydrochloric acid to produce magnesium chloride and hydrogen gas. The reaction is highly exothermic and proceeds rapidly with visible gas bubbles. Magnesium ribbon dissolves quickly with effervescence, and the solution becomes hot.
Participants
| Role | Substance | Coefficient | State |
|---|---|---|---|
| Reactant | Magnesium Mg | 1 | (s) |
| Reactant | Hydrochloric Acid HCl | 2 | (aq) |
| Product | Hydrogen H | 1 | (g) |
Everyday Example
This reaction is used in chemistry labs to demonstrate the reactivity of metals with acids, producing hydrogen gas that pops when tested with a burning splint.
Industrial Importance
Magnesium chloride produced by this type of reaction is used in dust control on roads, ice removal, and in the production of magnesium metal by electrolysis.
Properties
- Type
- Single Replacement
- Reversible
- No
- Energy
- Exothermic
- ΔH
- -462.0 kJ/mol
Related Reactions
Aluminum Reacting with Hydrochloric Acid
Aluminum Reacting with Iron(III) Oxide (Thermite)
Aluminum Reducing Chromium Oxide (Aluminothermic)
Calcium Reacting with Water
Carbon Reducing Iron Oxide in Blast Furnace
Chlorine Displacing Bromine from Sodium Bromide
Chlorine Displacing Iodine from Potassium Iodide
Copper Displacing Silver from Silver Nitrate
Fluorine Displacing Chlorine from Sodium Chloride
Hydrogen Reducing Copper Oxide
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the equation for Magnesium Reacting with Hydrochloric Acid?
The balanced equation is: Mg + 2HCl → MgCl₂ + H₂.
What type of reaction is Magnesium Reacting with Hydrochloric Acid?
Magnesium Reacting with Hydrochloric Acid is a single replacement reaction.
Is Magnesium Reacting with Hydrochloric Acid exothermic or endothermic?
Magnesium Reacting with Hydrochloric Acid is exothermic (releases energy). The enthalpy change (ΔH) is -462.0 kJ/mol.