What is formed when magnesium oxide reacts with hydrochloric acid?
Answer and explanation
Correct answer: Magnesium chloride and water
Magnesium oxide is a basic metal oxide, so it reacts with hydrochloric acid in a neutralisation reaction. The balanced equation is MgO + 2HCl → MgCl₂ + H₂O. Magnesium combines with chloride ions to form magnesium chloride, while the oxide ion combines with hydrogen ions to form water. No sulphate, sodium or carbonate is present, so the other products are not possible.
Frequently asked questions
What is the correct answer to this question?
Magnesium chloride and water
Why is this the correct answer?
Magnesium oxide is a basic metal oxide, so it reacts with hydrochloric acid in a neutralisation reaction. The balanced equation is MgO + 2HCl → MgCl₂ + H₂O. Magnesium combines with chloride ions to form magnesium chloride, while the oxide ion combines with hydrogen ions to form water. No sulphate, sodium or carbonate is present, so the other products are not possible.
Which subject and chapter does this question cover?
This is a Class 10 Science question. Chapter: Chemical Substances – Nature and Behaviour. Topic: Acids, Bases, and Salts.
