[PaxRomana]

I have to describe what's going on in Mg(s) + 2HCl(aq) -> MgCl2 + H2

Now I read in my text book that HCl breaks down completely in water. OK. The text book also says the H+ proton goes to create H3O molecules.

Now, I thought the H+ protons were reacting with the Mg, picking up an electron so the H2 molecules could be formed. So how does this H30 come into it? Is it a case of the H30 is reacting with the Mg, losing that third hydrogen to the Mg? Something is making the Mg lose electrons so it can bond with the Cl- . And speaking of which, what's the Cl- doing while the H+ is off bonding with water? Just floating around?

I'm confused - thx for helping me figure it .

[Borek]

The text book also says the H+ proton goes to create H3O molecules.

H₃O⁺

Now, I thought the H+ protons were reacting with the Mg, picking up an electron so the H2 molecules could be formed.

That's correct. Just it is H₃O⁺ that does the trick.

And speaking of which, what's the Cl- doing while the H+ is off bonding with water? Just floating around?

Spectating. That's why the are called spectators