Magnesium Reacting with Sulfuric Acid

Mg + H2SO4 → MgSO4 + H2

Overview

Magnesium reacts vigorously with dilute sulfuric acid to produce magnesium sulfate (Epsom salt) and hydrogen gas. The reaction is rapid with vigorous effervescence and considerable heat generation. Magnesium ribbon dissolves quickly.

Participants

Role Substance Coefficient State
Reactant Magnesium Mg 1 (s)
Reactant Sulfuric Acid H₂SO₄ 1 (aq)
Product Magnesium Sulfate MgSO₄ 1 (aq)
Product Hydrogen H 1 (g)

Everyday Example

Epsom salt (magnesium sulfate) used in bath soaks is the same compound produced by this acid-metal reaction.

Industrial Importance

Magnesium sulfate (Epsom salt) is used in agriculture as a soil conditioner, in medicine as a laxative and eclampsia treatment, and in the production of beer.

Properties

Type
Single Replacement
Reversible
No
Energy
Exothermic
ΔH
-466.9 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 Sulfuric Acid?
The balanced equation is: Mg + H₂SO₄ → MgSO₄ + H₂.
What type of reaction is Magnesium Reacting with Sulfuric Acid?
Magnesium Reacting with Sulfuric Acid is a single replacement reaction.
Is Magnesium Reacting with Sulfuric Acid exothermic or endothermic?
Magnesium Reacting with Sulfuric Acid is exothermic (releases energy). The enthalpy change (ΔH) is -466.9 kJ/mol.