Magnesium Reacting with Nitric Acid
Mg + 2HNO3 → Mg(NO3)2 + H2
Overview
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
| Role | Substance | Coefficient | State |
|---|---|---|---|
| Reactant | Magnesium Mg | 1 | (s) |
| Reactant | Nitric Acid HNO₃ | 2 | (aq) |
| Product | Hydrogen H | 1 | (g) |
Everyday Example
This reaction demonstrates why different acid concentrations can produce different products, an important concept in chemistry education.
Industrial Importance
Magnesium nitrate is used as a dehydrating agent, in pyrotechnics, and as a fertilizer component providing both magnesium and nitrogen.
Properties
- Type
- Single Replacement
- Reversible
- No
- Energy
- Exothermic
- ΔH
- -454.0 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 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.