Reaction of Mg with acids (molat enthelpy and rate of reaction)

In summary, based on the molar concentration and strength of the acids, it is likely that sulfuric acid will have the fastest reaction with magnesium.
  • #1
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  • #2
You have 3 acids listed (Hydrochloric acid, Sulfuric acid, and Acetic acid), for this reaction we will assume they are all at the same molar concentration.

One thing to note is that Acetic is a weak acid (incomplete disassociation of its ions in solution), whereas Hydrochloric and sulfuric are strong acids (almost total disassociation of ions in solution). For this reason, I think we can rule out Acetic acid as a possibility for the fastest reaction.

So now it is between HCl and H2SO4. Since we assume they are at the same molar concentration (meaning that for ever X mL of acid, there are equal number of moles of either HCl or H2SO4), I would think that Sulfuric acid will react the fastest with Mg. This is because for every 1 mole of H2SO4, you have 2 moles of H+ in solution, and with twice the number of H+ ions in solution, you are much more likely to get a quicker reaction with a material such as Magnesium.
 
  • #3
! The reaction of magnesium with acids is an exothermic reaction, meaning it releases heat energy. This is due to the formation of magnesium ions and the release of hydrogen gas. The enthalpy of this reaction will depend on the specific acid used and the concentration of the acid. Generally, stronger acids will have a more negative enthalpy value, indicating a more exothermic reaction. The rate of reaction for this process will also depend on the concentration and strength of the acid, as well as the surface area and purity of the magnesium. The higher the concentration and strength of the acid, the faster the reaction will occur. Additionally, a higher surface area and purity of magnesium will also increase the rate of reaction. Overall, the reaction of magnesium with acids is a highly exothermic and relatively fast process, making it a useful reaction for various applications in chemistry and industry.
 

1. How does the reaction between magnesium and acids occur?

The reaction between magnesium and acids occurs through a displacement reaction, where the magnesium atoms replace the hydrogen atoms in the acid compound to form magnesium chloride and release hydrogen gas.

2. What is the enthalpy of the reaction between magnesium and acids?

The enthalpy, or heat energy, of the reaction between magnesium and acids is exothermic, meaning that it releases heat. This is because the products of the reaction have lower energy than the reactants.

3. How does the rate of the reaction between magnesium and acids change with different acid concentrations?

The rate of the reaction between magnesium and acids increases with higher acid concentrations. This is because there are more acid particles available to collide with the magnesium atoms, leading to more successful reactions and a faster rate.

4. What factors affect the rate of the reaction between magnesium and acids?

The rate of the reaction between magnesium and acids can be affected by factors such as temperature, concentration of reactants, surface area of magnesium, and the presence of a catalyst. These factors can alter the frequency of successful collisions between the reactant particles, thus affecting the rate of the reaction.

5. What is the purpose of studying the reaction between magnesium and acids?

Studying the reaction between magnesium and acids can help us understand basic principles of chemical reactions, such as energy changes and reaction rates. It also has practical applications, such as in the production of hydrogen gas and as a method to measure acid concentration in solutions.

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