When magnesium bicarbonate (Mg(HCO₃)₂) is heated, it undergoes thermal decomposition, meaning it breaks down into simpler compounds. This decomposition process occurs in two main stages:

Stage 1: Formation of Magnesium Carbonate

At temperatures around 50°C (122°F), magnesium bicarbonate starts decomposing into magnesium carbonate (MgCO₃), water (H₂O), and carbon dioxide (CO₂):

```

Mg(HCO₃)₂ → MgCO₃ + H₂O + CO₂

```

Stage 2: Formation of Magnesium Oxide

Upon further heating to around 350°C (662°F), the magnesium carbonate formed in the first stage further decomposes into magnesium oxide (MgO) and carbon dioxide (CO₂):

```

MgCO₃ → MgO + CO₂

```

Overall Reaction:

Combining both stages, the overall reaction for heating magnesium bicarbonate can be written as:

```

Mg(HCO₃)₂ → MgO + H₂O + 2CO₂

```

Key Takeaways:

* Heating magnesium bicarbonate results in the formation of magnesium oxide, water, and carbon dioxide.

* The decomposition occurs in two distinct stages, with magnesium carbonate as an intermediate product.

* The reaction is exothermic, releasing heat.

* Magnesium oxide, a white powder, is the final product.