Acid-Base Reaction: Hydrochloric Acid and Magnesium Oxide Formula

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around balancing the chemical reaction between hydrochloric acid and magnesium oxide, focusing on the correct formulation of the reaction and the balancing of chemical equations. It includes elements of homework assistance and technical explanation.

Discussion Character

  • Homework-related
  • Technical explanation

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants state that the reaction between hydrochloric acid and magnesium oxide produces salt and water.
  • One participant attempts to write the reaction formula but expresses uncertainty about balancing it, initially proposing 2 HCl + MgO → 2 H2O + MgCl.
  • Another participant corrects the formula to indicate that magnesium chloride should be MgCl2 instead of MgCl.
  • A later reply emphasizes the importance of writing formulas correctly, noting that magnesium is divalent and should reflect this in the product.
  • One participant provides a balanced equation as 2 HCl + MgO → H2O + MgCl2, which is acknowledged as an improvement.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree on the products of the reaction but exhibit uncertainty regarding the correct balancing of the equation and the proper formulation of magnesium chloride.

Contextual Notes

There are unresolved issues regarding the balancing of the equation and the correct representation of the chemical species involved, particularly the valence of magnesium and the stoichiometry of the reaction.

Who May Find This Useful

Students learning about acid-base reactions, chemical equation balancing, and those seeking clarification on the properties of metal oxides and their reactions with acids.

chawki
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Homework Statement


When acid and metal oxide react the product is salt and water.

Homework Equations


Write the reaction formula, when hydrochloric acid reacts with magnesium oxide

The Attempt at a Solution


Hcl and MgO
2 Hcl + MgO ------> 2H2O+ MgCl
I still find it not balanced and don't know how balance it
 
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How do you balance reaction equations in general?
 
chawki said:

Homework Statement


When acid and metal oxide react the product is salt and water.

Homework Equations


Write the reaction formula, when hydrochloric acid reacts with magnesium oxide

The Attempt at a Solution


Hcl and MgO
2 Hcl + MgO ------> 2H2O+ MgCl
I still find it not balanced and don't know how balance it

It's MgCl_2
 
Advice: before wondering how the atoms in a reaction can be balanced, you need to write all the formulas correctly.

Magnesium is divalent (you can see that in the monoxide, it has the same valence as the oxygen, 2) and this is a simple reaction, it will not get reduced, so in the salt it must have the same valence, namely 2.
 
2HCl + MgO -----> H2O + MgCl2
 

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