Your equation is right. Your reasoning is wrong. Mg is more active because it replaces the Pb ions and forces the Pb out of solution. Here is how you tell which is more active. Here is the "activity series" of metals.
https://www.google.com/search?q=activity+series+metals&client=firefox-a&hs=No8&rls=org.mozilla:en-US:official&channel=sb&tbm=isch&imgil=iBkXzX7JFqX2uM%253A%253Bhttps%253A%252F%252Fencrypted-tbn3.gstatic.com%252Fimages%253Fq%253Dtbn%253AANd9GcTP4f7Kg7BS_09X19Oa3XvBtOr19hJTXLxkT7xQ_c8IKZNwPaFf-w%253B430%253B549%253B2OwpFSfAa4q8sM%253Bhttp%25253A%25252F%25252Fwww.grandinetti.org%25252FTeaching%25252FChem121%25252FLectures%25252FActivitySeries&source=iu&usg=__LInAFLlIqFcdqzwZjb8YYuQiIyw%3D&sa=X&ei=OjVMU6yzMKb62gXLzIDIBQ&ved=0CCwQ9QEwAQ#facrc=_&imgdii=_&imgrc=iBkXzX7JFqX2uM%253A%3B2OwpFSfAa4q8sM%3Bhttp%253A%252F%252Fwww.grandinetti.org%252Fresources%252FTeaching%252FChem121%252FLectures%252FActivitySeries%252FActivitySeries.png%3Bhttp%253A%252F%252Fwww.grandinetti.org%252FTeaching%252FChem121%252FLectures%252FActivitySeries%3B430%3B549
This works as follows: Any METAL will replace the ION of a metal below it in the series. Mg is above Pb in the table; therefore, Mg METAL will displace Pb ION which is below it.
I am unsure about balancing equation I would like for someone to let me know if I am working this out correctly?
I have to write a balanced equation for the reaction when solid magnesium is added to a solution of lead(ii)nitrate, solid lead forms and the magnesium disappears as it goes into solution as magnesium nitrate.
Mg + Pb(NO3)2 >>> Pb + Mg(NO3)2
I want to make aure that I understand which metal is more active. between magnesium or lead I think lead would be more active because it forms a solid.
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