Question

a coil of magnesium ribbon
what is the chemical equation for this reaction?
choose 1 answer:
a mg(s) + 2 hcl(aq) →
b mg(s) + hcl(aq) →
c mg(s) + 2 hcl(aq) →
d mg(s) + 2 hcl(aq) →
scroll answers
show periodic table

Explanation:

The reaction between magnesium (Mg) and hydrochloric acid (HCl) is a single - displacement reaction. Magnesium is a metal with a +2 oxidation state. In the reaction, Mg reacts with HCl to form magnesium chloride ($MgCl_2$) and hydrogen gas ($H_2$). The balanced chemical equation for this reaction is $Mg(s)+2HCl(aq)
ightarrow MgCl_2(aq) + H_2(g)$. Among the given options, we assume that option A (even though the products are not fully shown in the provided text, but based on the reactant side balancing) is the correct one as it has the correct stoichiometry for the reactants (1 mole of Mg and 2 moles of HCl) which is required for the reaction to be balanced. Option B has an incorrect stoichiometry (1 mole of HCl instead of 2), and options C and D (assuming their product sides are incorrect or not balanced) can be eliminated. So the correct answer should be the one with the correct reactant stoichiometry, which is option A.

Answer:

A. $\ce{Mg}(s) + 2\ce{HCl}(aq)
ightarrow$ (assuming the product side is $\ce{MgCl_2}(aq) + \ce{H_2}(g)$ which is the correct product of the reaction between magnesium and hydrochloric acid)