To determine which gas is produced when magnesium ([tex]\( Mg_{(s)} \)[/tex]) reacts with hydrochloric acid ([tex]\( HCl_{(aq)} \)[/tex]), we need to consider the chemical reaction that takes place.
The balanced chemical equation for the reaction between magnesium and hydrochloric acid is:
[tex]\[ Mg_{(s)} + 2HCl_{(aq)} \rightarrow MgCl_2_{(aq)} + H_2_{(g)} \][/tex]
Here's a step-by-step breakdown of the reaction process:
1. Identify Reactants and Products:
- Reactants: Magnesium ([tex]\( Mg_{(s)} \)[/tex]) and hydrochloric acid ([tex]\( HCl_{(aq)} \)[/tex])
- Products: Magnesium chloride ([tex]\( MgCl_2 \)[/tex]) and hydrogen gas ([tex]\( H_2 \)[/tex])
2. Reaction Description:
- Magnesium, a solid metal, reacts with hydrochloric acid, an aqueous solution, to form an aqueous solution of magnesium chloride and releases hydrogen gas.
3. Balancing the Equation:
- To balance the equation, ensure that the number of atoms of each element is equal on both sides of the reaction.
- Magnesium (Mg) is balanced: 1 atom on both the reactant and product sides.
- Chlorine (Cl) is balanced: 2 atoms of chlorine on both sides (coming from 2 molecules of [tex]\( HCl \)[/tex]).
- Hydrogen (H) is balanced: 2 atoms on the reactant side (2 molecules of [tex]\( HCl \)[/tex]) and 2 atoms on the product side (1 molecule of [tex]\( H_2 \)[/tex]).
4. Identify the Gaseous Product:
- According to the chemical equation, the gaseous product formed in this reaction is hydrogen gas ([tex]\( H_2 \)[/tex]).
Therefore, the gas produced when [tex]\( Mg_{(s)} \)[/tex] is added to [tex]\( HCl_{(aq)} \)[/tex] is:
B. [tex]\( H_2 \)[/tex]
