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.