Question

For the following sentence, please write a balanced chemical equation and describe the type of reaction that is occurring. You may include an image of your work so you don't have to type the formulas, etc. Solid magnesium reacts with water to form magnesium hydroxide and hydrogen gas.

Answer 1

To create a balanced chemical equation for the reaction between solid magnesium and water to form magnesium hydroxide and hydrogen gas, we first need to write the unbalanced equation:

\[
\text{Mg (s)} + \text{H}_2\text{O (l)} \rightarrow \text{Mg(OH)}_2\text{ (s)} + \text{H}_2\text{ (g)}
\]

Next, we will balance the equation.

1. We start with one magnesium atom on each side.
2. In the products, magnesium hydroxide contains two hydroxide ions (OH), so we need two water molecules to provide those hydroxide ions:

\[
\text{Mg (s)} + 2\text{H}_2\text{O (l)} \rightarrow \text{Mg(OH)}_2\text{ (s)} + \text{H}_2\text{ (g)}
\]

Now, let's check:

- Reactants: 1 Mg, 4 H, 2 O
- Products: 1 Mg, 4 H, 2 O

The equation is balanced.

### Type of Reaction
This reaction is classified as a **single displacement reaction** (or single replacement reaction) where magnesium displaces hydrogen in water, forming magnesium hydroxide and hydrogen gas. In this reaction, magnesium has a higher reactivity than the hydrogen in water, resulting in the release of hydrogen gas.

If you need a visual representation of the balancing process, you can create an image or diagram based on these steps. Unfortunately, I can't create or include images, but you could sketch out the reactants and products along with the balancing process using the information provided!