What is the name of the salt formed when a magnesium ribbon is added to dilute hydrochloric acid?
Answer and explanation
Correct answer: Magnesium chloride
Magnesium reacts with dilute hydrochloric acid according to the equation Mg + 2HCl → MgCl₂ + H₂. The metal forms the positive part of the salt, while the chloride ion from hydrochloric acid forms the negative part; hydrogen gas is released separately. Thus the salt is magnesium chloride, so option C is correct. Sulphate and carbonate would require different acids, and sodium chloride contains sodium rather than magnesium.
Frequently asked questions
What is the correct answer to this question?
Magnesium chloride
Why is this the correct answer?
Magnesium reacts with dilute hydrochloric acid according to the equation Mg + 2HCl → MgCl₂ + H₂. The metal forms the positive part of the salt, while the chloride ion from hydrochloric acid forms the negative part; hydrogen gas is released separately. Thus the salt is magnesium chloride, so option C is correct. Sulphate and carbonate would require different acids, and sodium chloride contains sodium rather than magnesium.
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.
