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.