James S. answered • 11/19/15
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Hi Nicole,
What the equation is depends on whether there is any reaction at all. You can determine this in one of two ways - either by consulting an activity series of metals table, or by looking at the standard reduction potentials of the two metals (just two different methods of getting the identical information).
If Mg is more active than Al, you'll end up with a single replacement reaction, giving products of the magnesium cation and aluminum metal. If Al is more active than Mg, nothing happens.
