Mg(s) + H₂CO₃(aq) → MgCO₃(s) + H₂(g)
Here's a breakdown of the reaction:
* Magnesium (Mg) is a more reactive metal than hydrogen (H).
* Carbonic acid (H₂CO₃) is a weak acid.
* Magnesium carbonate (MgCO₃) is an insoluble salt.
* Hydrogen gas (H₂) is produced as a byproduct.
Explanation:
Magnesium displaces hydrogen from carbonic acid because it is more reactive. The reaction produces magnesium carbonate, which is a solid precipitate, and hydrogen gas, which bubbles out of the solution.
Important Note: Carbonic acid is unstable and readily decomposes into carbon dioxide (CO₂) and water (H₂O). So, the actual reaction in solution is likely:
Mg(s) + CO₂(aq) + H₂O(l) → MgCO₃(s) + H₂(g)
However, the initial equation using carbonic acid is a common way to represent the reaction.
