Exploring the Balanced Chemical Equation for the Reaction Between Magnesium and Hydrochloric Acid

The neutralization process is a fundamental concept in chemistry, particularly when discussing reactions between acids and bases. However, in the case of the reaction between hydrochloric acid (HCl) and magnesium (Mg), the process is classified as a displacement reaction, not a neutralization reaction. This article delves into the balanced chemical equation for this reaction and explains why.

Understanding the Reaction

When magnesium reacts with hydrochloric acid, the products are magnesium chloride (MgCl2) and hydrogen gas (H2). The initial representation of the reaction is often seen as:

2HCl(aq) Mg(s) → MgCl2(aq) H2(g)

However, this equation is not balanced. To balance it, you need to ensure that the number of atoms of each element is the same on both sides of the equation. Let's go through the balancing step-by-step.

Balancing the Chemical Equation

First, consider the atoms in the reactants and products:

Reactants: 2 H atoms, 1 Cl atom, and 1 Mg atom. Products: 2 Mg atoms, 2 Cl atoms, and 2 H atoms.

Clearly, the number of chlorine and hydrogen atoms are not equal. Therefore, we need to adjust the coefficients.

The balanced chemical equation is:

Mg(s) 2HCl(aq) → MgCl2(aq) H2(g)

Here are the details of the balanced equation:

Mg is the solid magnesium. HCl is hydrochloric acid in aqueous solution. MgCl2 is the magnesium chloride formed in solution. H2 is the hydrogen gas released during the reaction.

Chemical Reaction Types

This reaction is classified as a displacement reaction. In such reactions, an element displaces another element from a compound. In this case, magnesium displaces hydrogen from hydrochloric acid to form magnesium chloride and hydrogen gas.

The oxidation-reduction (redox) aspect of this reaction is crucial:

Magnesium (Mg) is oxidized from an oxidation state of 0 to 2, forming Mg2 . Hydrogen (H2) is reduced from an oxidation state of 1 to 0, forming H2 gas.

Therefore, the balanced equation for the reaction between magnesium and hydrochloric acid is:

Mg(s) 2HCl(aq) → MgCl2(aq) H2(g)

Conclusion

The balanced chemical equation for the reaction between magnesium and hydrochloric acid is Mg(s) 2HCl(aq) → MgCl2(aq) H2(g). This is a displacement reaction, where magnesium displaces hydrogen from hydrochloric acid. The reaction is balanced by ensuring the number of atoms of each element is the same on both sides of the equation.

If you are interested in learning more about chemistry, consider checking out online resources such as Khan Academy for free, easy-to-understand tutorials.