1. Write the complete balanced chemical equation:
Mg(s) + 2HCl(aq) → MgCl₂(aq) + H₂(g)
2. Write the complete ionic equation:
Mg(s) + 2H⁺(aq) + 2Cl⁻(aq) → Mg²⁺(aq) + 2Cl⁻(aq) + H₂(g)
3. Identify the spectator ions:
Spectator ions are ions that appear on both sides of the equation and do not participate in the reaction. In this case, the chloride ions (Cl⁻) are spectator ions.
4. Write the net ionic equation by removing the spectator ions:
Mg(s) + 2H⁺(aq) → Mg²⁺(aq) + H₂(g)
Therefore, the balanced net ionic equation for the reaction of magnesium with hydrochloric acid is:
Mg(s) + 2H⁺(aq) → Mg²⁺(aq) + H₂(g)