Question #a2593

1 Answer
Aug 18, 2016

#"Mg"_ ((s)) + "H"_ (2(g)) -> "MgH"_ (2(s))#

Explanation:

Magnesium metal will react with hydrogen gas at very high pressures and at high temperatures to form magnesium hydride, #"MgH"_2#.

The balanced chemical equation that describes this synthesis reaction looks like this

#"Mg"_ ((s)) + "H"_ (2(g)) -> "MgH"_ (2(s))#

You can also think of this reaction as being an example of a redox reaction. Here magnesium metal is being oxidized by hydrogen gas which acts as a reducing agent.

Similarly, hydrogen is being reduced by magnesium which acts as an oxidizing agent.