15 Facts on H2SO4 + Mg: What, How To Balance & FAQs

Magnesium (Mg), an alkaline earth metal, is highly reactive, and H₂SO₄ (sulfuric acid) is a strong inorganic acid. Let us examine their reaction in detail.

The reaction between Mg and H₂SO₄ is highly vigorous. Magnesium is a reactive metal that exists in +2 oxidation state in its ionic form, is found in chlorophyll pigment, and plays a vital role in the proper functioning of the human body. H₂SO₄ is a strong dehydrating agent.

Here, we will discuss the reaction products, forces involved, buffer solution, and other parameters of H₂SO₄ and Mg deeply.

What is the product of H₂SO4 and Mg

MgSO₄ (Magnesium sulfate) and hydrogen gas are the products of the reaction H₂SO₄ + Mg.

H₂SO₄ + Mg → MgSO₄ + H₂ ↑

What type of reaction is H₂SO4 + Mg

H₂SO₄ + Mg is a single displacement reaction.

How to balance H₂SO4 + Mg

The equation H₂SO₄ + Mg is balanced through the following steps

 H₂SO₄ + Mg → MgSO₄ + H₂

• The elements involved in the reaction are identified and counted. Mg, H, S, and O are the elements that are present in the substituents.
• Here the elements are balanced both in the reactant and product side. Thus the balanced equation is
• H₂SO₄ + Mg → MgSO₄ + H₂

H₂SO4 + Mg titration

H₂SO₄+Mg will not undergo titration as Mg being a metal will not be used in the titration.

H₂SO4 + Mg net ionic equation

The net ionic equation of H₂SO₄+Mg is

2H⁺ (aq) + Mg(s) → Mg²⁺(aq) + SO₄^2-(aq)+ H₂(g)

The net equation is derived using the given steps

• The balanced equation deduced earlier is written.
• H₂SO₄ + Mg → MgSO₄ + H₂
• The states of the reactants and the products are shown.
• H₂SO₄(aq) + Mg(s) → MgSO₄(aq)+ H₂(g)
• The electrolytes(strong) are split into their respective ions. Mg is a solid and H₂ is a gas so will not split. The equation now becomes
• 2H⁺ (aq) +SO₄^2-(aq) + Mg(s) → Mg²⁺(aq) + SO₄^2-(aq)+ H₂(g)
• The spectator ions are canceled out and the net ionic equation is
• 2H⁺ (aq) + Mg(s) → Mg²⁺(aq) + SO₄^2-(aq)+ H₂(g)

H₂SO4 + Mg conjugate pairs

H₂SO₄ + Mg is not a conjugate pair as they do not conjugate to form the desired acid-base pair.

• SO₄^2- is the conjugate base of H₂SO₄ (acid).
• Mg is metal so there is no conjugate pair for Mg.

H₂SO4 and Mg intermolecular forces

• Hydrogen bonding, dispersion forces, and dipole-dipole interactions are the intermolecular forces found in the H₂SO₄ molecule.
• Metallic bonding is present in Mg as it is a metal.

H₂SO4 + Mg reaction enthalpy

H₂SO₄ + Mg reaction enthalpy is -466.85 KJ. The enthalpy will be calculated using the values listed below,

• The enthalpy of the elements or the molecule present in their original state is taken as zero.

• ∆H_f^°(reaction) = ∆H_f^°(products) – ∆H_f^°(reactants)

= -1376.12 – (-909.27)

= -466. 85 KJ

Is H₂SO4 + Mg a buffer solution

The combination H₂SO₄ + Mg will not function as a buffer solution due to the presence of metal and the use of a strong acid (H₂SO₄).

Is H₂SO4 + Mg a complete reaction

H₂SO₄ + Mg is a complete reaction as the products will not react further since one of them is a gas that gets evolved during the reaction.

Is H₂SO4 + Mg an exothermic or endothermic reaction

H₂SO₄ + Mg is an exothermic reaction as a large amount is heat is liberated during the reaction. The enthalpy of the reaction is negative too.

Is H₂SO4 + Mg a redox reaction

H₂SO₄ + Mg is a redox reaction where,

• Magnesium is getting oxidized from zero to +2 oxidation state.
• Hydrogen is reduced from a +1 to a zero oxidation state.

Is H₂SO4 + Mg a precipitation reaction

Mg + H₂SO₄ is not a precipitation reaction as the products formed are completely soluble without the formation of any precipitate.

Is H₂SO4 + Mg reversible or irreversible reaction

Mg + H₂SO₄ is an irreversible reaction as the forward reaction is more feasible due to the increase in entropy attributed to the liberation of a gaseous product.

Is H₂SO4 + Mg displacement reaction

Mg + H₂SO₄ is a single displacement reaction as Mg is more reactive so it will displace the hydrogen from its sulfate salt and forms Magnesium sulfate.

H₂SO₄ + Mg → MgSO₄ + H₂

Conclusion

The reaction was found to be exothermic and with positive entropy. MgSO₄ generally called as Epsom salt, has a wide application in the field of healthcare, used in magnesium deficiency and asthma. The deficiency of magnesium causes weakening of bones and muscles.