The balanced chemical equation for this reaction is:
```
Mg(s) + 2HCl(aq) → MgCl2(aq) + H2(g)
```
In this reaction, magnesium atoms (Mg) from the metal react with hydrogen ions (H+) from the hydrochloric acid to form hydrogen gas (H2). At the same time, chloride ions (Cl-) from the hydrochloric acid combine with magnesium ions (Mg2+) to form magnesium chloride (MgCl2).
The reaction between magnesium and hydrochloric acid is exothermic, meaning it releases heat. The hydrogen gas produced during the reaction is flammable and can burn in air.
This reaction is an example of a single-displacement reaction, where one element (in this case, magnesium) displaces another element (hydrogen) from a compound (hydrochloric acid).
