When magnesium shavings or chips come in contact with water, they react to produce magnesium hydroxide and hydrogen gas. The chemical equation for the reaction is: 2 Mg (s) + 2 H2O (l)→2 Mg (OH)2 (aq) + H2 (g). This displacement reaction is characterized by effervescence, a vigorous reaction, and the formation of a white precipitate of magnesium hydroxide.
References:
Reactions of Group 2 Elements with Water - Chemistry LibreTexts1
Magnesium (Mg) and water - Lenntech2
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