This is what happens when Mg is added to the hydrochloric and acetic acid.

The magnesium metal is in the balloons.

 

2 M
HCl

2 M
Acetic
Acid

Shaking the magnesium into the flasks starts the reaction.

 

2 M
HCl

 

2 M
Acetic
Acid

After a few seconds the balloon on the flask filled with HCl starts to fill with hydrogen.

 

2 M
HCl

 

2 M
Acetic
Acid

 

At the end of the reactions both acids produce the same amount of hydrogen.

Click here for movie.

2 M
HCl

 

2 M
Acetic
Acid

 

Which reacts faster with magnesium, 2 M HCl or 2 M acetic acid?

 


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