MG+2HCl -> MGCl2 + H2...
Ohhh.. Thanks Borek. Because it IS changed by the end, it has broken up. Therefore, it is NOT a catalyst, as it does not match the definition of a catalyst.. Unless my chemical equation is wrong (which is completely possible), in which case, I would need the correct...
from what i can tell, yes it does, as the HCl is not changed at the end of the reaction and it seems to accelerate the reaction, so it would be fair on my part to conclude that YES, HCl is a catalyst when mixed with Mg.
A Catalyst is a substance that initiates or accelerates a chemical reaction without itself being affected. (according to http://wordnetweb.princeton.edu/perl/webwn?s=catalyst)
Would the HCl be considered a catalyst in this, because the more Hydrochloric acid you add, the quicker the reaction, and catalyst's are meant to speed up reactions. So to repeat, would the Hydrochloric acid be a catalyst in mixing HCl + Mg?