give an example of a metal/alkali mixture that produces hydrogen more vigorously than a zinc/acid mixture.
To find an example of a metal/alkali mixture that produces hydrogen more vigorously than a zinc/acid mixture, we need to compare the reactivity of different metals with alkalis. One approach is to consult the reactivity series of metals.
The reactivity series arranges metals in order of their tendency to lose electrons and form positive ions. Generally, metals higher in the series are more reactive than those lower down.
In the case of alkali metals, they are known to be highly reactive due to their low ionization energy. Alkali metals include elements like lithium (Li), sodium (Na), potassium (K), and so on.
Zinc, on the other hand, is relatively less reactive compared to alkali metals. When combined with an acid, such as hydrochloric acid (HCl), zinc reacts to produce hydrogen gas.
So, to find an example of a metal/alkali mixture that produces hydrogen more vigorously than zinc/acid, we can select any alkali metal from the reactivity series.
For instance, sodium (Na) is highly reactive and can react vigorously with water to produce hydrogen gas. The reaction can be represented as follows:
2 Na + 2 H2O → 2 NaOH + H2
In this reaction, sodium displaces hydrogen from water, forming sodium hydroxide and releasing hydrogen gas.
Therefore, sodium is an example of a metal/alkali mixture that produces hydrogen more vigorously than zinc/acid.