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Chapter 8: Problem 139

When magnesium metal is burned in air, it forms two products \(A\) and \(B\). A reacts with water to form a basic solution. B reacts with water to form a similar solution as that of A plus a gas with a pungent odor. Identify A and \(\mathrm{B}\) and write equations for the reactions. (Hint: See Chemistry in Action essay "Discovery of the Noble Gases" in Section \(8.6 .\) )

Short Answer

Expert verified
Product A is Magnesium Oxide (MgO) and product B is Magnesium Nitride (Mg3N2). The reactions are: MgO with water forms Magnesium Hydroxide, Mg(OH)2, and Mg3N2 with water forms Ammonia, NH3 and Magnesium Hydroxide, Mg(OH)2.

Step by step solution

01

Identify Product A

Given that product A reacts with water to form a basic solution, it suggests that A is a metal-oxide. When metal oxides react with water, they produce metal hydroxides which are alkaline in nature. Hence, A is likely Magnesium Oxide (MgO). The reaction is \( \text{Mg}(s) + \frac{1}{2}O_2(g) \rightarrow MgO(s) \)
02

Identify Product B

From the question, product B reacts with water to produce a similar solution to A (basic) and a pungent gas. This suggests that B is likely Magnesium Nitride (Mg3N2). Nitrides of certain elements react with water to produce ammonia (NH3) which has a pungent smell. The reaction is \( 3Mg(s) + N_2(g) \rightarrow Mg3N2(s) \)
03

Write Reactions of A and B with Water

Now that we know the identities of A and B, let's write down their reactions with water:A (MgO) with water: \( MgO(s) + H2O(l) \rightarrow Mg(OH)2(s) \)B (Mg3N2) with water: \( Mg3N2(s) + 6H2O(l) \rightarrow 2NH3(g) + 3Mg(OH)2(s) \)

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Most popular questions from this chapter

Indicate which one of the two species in each of the following pairs is smaller: (a) \(\mathrm{Cl}\) or \(\mathrm{Cl}^{-} ;\) (b) Na or \(\mathrm{Na}^{+}\); (c) \(\mathrm{O}^{2-}\) or \(\mathrm{S}^{2-}\) (d) \(\mathrm{Mg}^{2+}\) or \(\mathrm{Al}^{3+}\) (e) \(\mathrm{Au}^{+}\) or \(\mathrm{Au}^{3+}\)

In which of the following are the species written in decreasing order by size of radius? (a) Be, Mg, Ba; (b) \(\mathrm{N}^{3-}, \mathrm{O}^{2-}, \mathrm{F}^{-} ;(\mathrm{c}) \mathrm{Tl}^{3+}, \mathrm{Tl}^{2+}, \mathrm{Tl}^{+}\)

To prevent the formation of oxides, peroxides, and superoxides, alkali metals are sometimes stored in an inert atmosphere. Which of the following gases should not be used for lithium: \(\mathrm{Ne}, \mathrm{Ar}, \mathrm{N}_{2}, \mathrm{Kr} ?\) Explain. (Hint: As mentioned in the chapter, Li and Mg exhibit a diagonal relationship. Compare the common compounds of these two elements.)

A student is given samples of three elements, \(\mathrm{X}, \mathrm{Y}\), and \(\mathrm{Z}\), which could be an alkali metal, a member of Group \(4 \mathrm{~A},\) and a member of Group \(5 \mathrm{~A} .\) She makes the following observations: Element X has a metallic luster and conducts electricity. It reacts slowly with hydrochloric acid to produce hydrogen gas. Element \(Y\) is a light-yellow solid that does not conduct electricity. Element \(Z\) has a metallic luster and conducts electricity. When exposed to air, it slowly forms a white powder. A solution of the white powder in water is basic. What can you conclude about the elements from these observations?

List the following ions in order of increasing ionic radius: \(\mathrm{N}^{3-}, \mathrm{Na}^{+}, \mathrm{F}^{-}, \mathrm{Mg}^{2+}, \mathrm{O}^{2-}\)
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