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According to Kotz & Treichel (3rd ed.),
Mg(s) + 2H_2O(l) --> Mg(OH)_2(s) + H_2(g) + heat.
On the other hand,
2Mg(s) + O_2(s) --> 2MgO(s).
I haven't taken chemistry in years, so I'm not certain why
Mg(s) + H_2O(l) --> MgO(s) + H_2(g)
doesn't work, but I have a feeling it has to do with the energy involved in the reaction.
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