* Magnesium (Mg) is a metal.
* Hydrochloric acid (HCl) is an acid containing hydrogen (H) and chlorine (Cl).
The reaction:
Magnesium (Mg) is more reactive than hydrogen (H). When they come into contact, the magnesium displaces the hydrogen from the hydrochloric acid. This results in the formation of:
* Magnesium chloride (MgCl2), a soluble salt.
* Hydrogen gas (H2), which is released as bubbles.
The chemical equation:
Mg(s) + 2HCl(aq) → MgCl2(aq) + H2(g)
In summary:
The reaction between magnesium and hydrochloric acid produces a solution of magnesium chloride and hydrogen gas, not a new compound.