Question

What happens when magnesium nitride is treated with water?

Answer 1

When magnesium nitride (Mg₃N₂) is treated with water:

1. It reacts vigorously with water.
2. Magnesium nitride breaks down.
3. It produces magnesium hydroxide (Mg(OH)₂).
4. It also releases ammonia gas (NH₃).

The reaction is:

\[\ce{Mg3N2 + 6H2O -> 3Mg(OH)2 + 2NH3 \uparrow}\]

This reaction shows that magnesium nitride reacts with water to release ammonia, a basic gas, and magnesium hydroxide, a base.