Mg(s) + H2SO4(aq) → MgSO4(aq) + H2(g)
In this reaction:
- Magnesium (Mg) in its solid form (s) is the reactant metal.
- Dilute sulfuric acid (H2SO4), which is an aqueous solution, is the reactant acid.
The reaction involves a single displacement or substitution reaction. Here's what happens:
1. Magnesium atoms (Mg) in the solid form lose their two outermost electrons, each becoming Mg2+ ions.
2. The lost electrons from magnesium atoms are transferred to hydrogen ions (H+) in the sulfuric acid solution, reducing them to hydrogen gas (H2).
3. The positively charged Mg2+ ions combine with the negatively charged sulfate ions (SO42-) from sulfuric acid to form magnesium sulfate (MgSO4), which dissolves in the solution.
As a result, magnesium sulfate (MgSO4), a soluble salt, is formed and hydrogen gas (H2) is released as a byproduct. This reaction is commonly observed during laboratory demonstrations or experiments involving the reactivity of metals with acids.
