Magnesium Reacting with Steam

Mg + H2O → MgO + H2

Overview

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

Role Substance Coefficient State
Reactant Magnesium Mg 1 (s)
Reactant Water H₂O 1 (g)
Product Magnesium Oxide MgO 1 (s)
Product Hydrogen H 1 (g)

Everyday Example

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

Industrial Importance

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

Properties

Type
Single Replacement
Reversible
No
Energy
Exothermic
ΔH
-361.0 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 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.