What products is formed when zinc is added to dilute hydrochloric acid?
When zinc (Zn) is added to dilute hydrochloric acid (HCl), the following products are formed:
1. Zinc chloride (ZnCl2): The primary product of the reaction is zinc chloride. This compound is formed by the combination of zinc and chloride ions. The chemical equation for this reaction is:
Zn + 2HCl → ZnCl2 + H2
2. Hydrogen gas (H2): Another product of the reaction is hydrogen gas. It is generated through the displacement of hydrogen ions. In the chemical equation above, the H2 gas is released as a byproduct.
Therefore, the products formed when zinc is added to dilute hydrochloric acid are zinc chloride (ZnCl2) and hydrogen gas (H2).
When zinc is added to dilute hydrochloric acid, the products formed are zinc chloride (ZnCl2) and hydrogen gas (H2).
To understand why these products are formed, we need to look at the reaction between zinc and hydrochloric acid. This reaction is classified as a single displacement or redox reaction, where one element (in this case, zinc) displaces another element (hydrogen) in a compound (hydrochloric acid). The balanced chemical equation for this reaction is:
Zn + 2HCl -> ZnCl2 + H2
In this equation, the zinc (Zn) reacts with hydrochloric acid (HCl) to form zinc chloride (ZnCl2) and hydrogen gas (H2). The reaction is driven by the tendency of zinc to lose electrons and form positive ions (Zn2+) and the tendency of hydrogen ions (H+) in hydrochloric acid to gain electrons and form hydrogen gas.
To verify these products, you can perform a simple experiment. Take a small piece of zinc (such as a zinc strip) and add it to a beaker containing dilute hydrochloric acid. As the reaction proceeds, you will observe the formation of gas bubbles, which is hydrogen gas being released. Additionally, the solution will turn cloudy or milky due to the formation of zinc chloride.