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

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Sulphuric acid (H2SO4) is one of the important mineral acids, and MgO is an oxide. Let us understand the various aspects of the reaction between H2SO4 and MgO.

Sulphuric acid is also known as oil of vitriol as it is prepared from green vitriol. Magnesium oxide is a white powder-like substance. During this reaction, the temperature of the reaction mixture rises.

As the article flows down, all the essential features of the reaction between H2SO4 and MgO will come to light.

What is the product of H2SO4 and MgO

Magnesium sulfate (MgSO4) and water (H2O) are the products of the reaction H2SO4+ MgO.

H2SO4 (aq) + MgO (s)  =  MgSO4 (aq) + H2O (l)

What type of reaction is H2SO4 and MgO

H2SO4 + MgO falls under the category of neutralization reaction as the reaction produces sulfate salt and water by reaction between an acid and base.

How to balance H2SO4 and MgO

The equation for the reaction H2SO4 + MgO is

H2SO4 + MgO =  MgSO4 + H2O

The reaction is already balanced as the number of atoms of all the four elements H, S, O, and Mg are the same on both sides.

H2SO4 and MgO titration

MgO being insoluble salt, is back titrated by H2SO4 to determine its amount using the following procedure.

Apparatus

Pipette, measuring cylinder, volumetric flask, conical flask, titration stand, and burette

Indicator

Phenolphthalein is used as indicator in this titration.

Procedure

  • Dissolve MgO in an excess amount of standard solution of H2SO4 in a conical flask.
  • After mixing it properly, add 1-2 drops of indicator.
  • Titrate the excess amount of H2SO4 after reaction with MgO with standard NaOH solution from a burette till the color changes to light pink.
  • Repeat the procedure 2-3 times and take the average burette reading.
  • Finally, using the formula S1V1 = S2V2, the amount of unreacted H2SO4 can be found.
  • The amount of H2SO4 reacted with MgO can be obtained by subtracting the amount of unreacted H2SO4 from the total amount of it.
  • From the amount of H2SO4 reacted with MgO, the amount of MgO can be determined.

H2SO4 and MgO net ionic equation

The net ionic equation for H2SO4 + MgO is

  • 2H+ (aq) +  MgO (s) = Mg2+ (aq) + H2O(l)

The following steps are followed to get the net ionic equation.

  • Write dissociated cations and anions only for soluble ionic compounds.
  • H2SO4 and MgSO4 being ionic, dissociate into cations and anions.
  • The complete ionic equation is
  • 2H+ (aq) + SO42- (aq) + MgO (s) = Mg2+ (aq) + SO42- (aq) + H2O (l)
  • Only SO42- ion is the spectator ion here, the cancellation of which will result in the net ionic equation.

H2SO4 and MgO conjugate pairs

  • Sulfate ion (SO42-) is the conjugate base of the molecule H2SO4.
  • MgO does not have a conjugate pair because it is a metal oxide.

H2SO4 and MgO intermolecular forces

  • Dipole-dipole and H-bonding these two intermolecular forces are present in H2SO4 molecule where H-bonding is more significant.
  • Electrostatic force of attraction is present in MgO as it is ionic in nature.

H2SO4 and MgO reaction enthalpy

For H2SO4 + MgO, the reaction enthalpy value is -145.4 kJ/mole.

CompoundsEnthalpy of formation (kJ/mole)
H2SO4 (aq)-909.3
MgO (s)-601.7
MgSO4 (aq)-1370.6
H2O(l)-285.8
Table representing enthalpy of formation values of all compounds
  • Reaction Enthalpy = Enthalpies of formation of [MgSO4 (aq)+ H2O(l)] – Enthalpies of formation of [H2SO4 (aq) + MgO (s)]
  • = [(-1370.6) + (-285.8)] – [(-909.3) + (-601.7)] = -145.4 KJ/mol.

Is H2SO4 and MgO a buffer solution

H2SO4 + MgO cannot be a buffer solution as H2SO4 is not a weak acid.

Is H2SO4 and MgO a complete reaction

H2SO4 + MgO is a complete reaction because it is a neutralization reaction.

Is H2SO4 and MgO an exothermic or endothermic reaction

H2SO4 + MgO is exothermic in nature as -145.4 kJ/mole heat is released.

Is H2SO4 and MgOa redox reaction

H2SO4 + MgO is not a redox reaction as oxidation states of the atoms H, S, O, and Mg are intact before and after the reaction.

Is H2SO4 and MgO a precipitation reaction

H2SO4 + MgO is not a precipitation reaction as the product MgSO4  is a water-soluble solid, and the other product is water.

Is H2SO4 and MgO reversible or irreversible reaction

H2SO4 + MgO is an irreversible reaction as it is a neutralization reaction.

Is H2SO4 and MgO displacement reaction

H2SO4 + MgO is a displacement reaction as SO42- and O2- ions are swapped between two reactant molecules, H2SO4 and MgO.

Screenshot 2022 11 26 211843
Exchange of ions

Conclusion

In conclusion, when sulphuric acid reacts with magnesium oxide, the products are metal sulfate salt and water. MgSO4 is a water-soluble white solid used as a medication for different health issues.