Here's the balanced chemical equation:
CuCl₂ (aq) + Mg (s) → MgCl₂ (aq) + Cu (s)
Explanation:
* Magnesium (Mg) is more reactive than copper (Cu). This means it can displace copper from its compound.
* In the reaction, magnesium atoms lose two electrons each, becoming magnesium ions (Mg²⁺).
* Copper ions (Cu²⁺) from cupric chloride gain two electrons each, becoming copper atoms (Cu).
* The magnesium ions then combine with chloride ions (Cl⁻) to form magnesium chloride (MgCl₂), which is soluble in water.
Observations:
* You would observe a reddish-brown solid (copper) forming on the surface of the magnesium metal.
* The solution would likely turn from blue (due to the presence of Cu²⁺ ions) to colorless (due to the presence of Mg²⁺ ions).
* The reaction may produce heat, indicating an exothermic reaction.
Note: The reaction proceeds more readily if the magnesium is in a powdered form or if the solution is heated.
