This equation describes the reaction between nitric acid (HNO3) and magnesium (Mg). The products of this reaction are magnesium nitrate (Mg(NO3)2), water (H2O), and nitrogen monoxide (NO).
- Reaction conditions:
This reaction usually occurs when the temperature increases. Nitric acid needs to be placed in an acid environment for the reaction to occur.
- Reaction process:
In this reaction, magnesium reacts with nitric acid to form magnesium nitrate, water, and nitrogen monoxide. This reaction is a redox reaction, in which magnesium is oxidized (accepting oxygen from nitric acid) and nitric acid is reduced (losing oxygen to magnesium).
- Phenomena that occur:
When the reaction takes place, you will see gas bubbles (which is nitric gas being released) and heat being released. Besides, the solution will also turn brown due to the presence of nitrogen monoxide.