Elemental zinc will react with acid to evolve hydrogen gas. This is a redox reaction. Write a balanced molecular equation for the reaction of zinc and hydrochloric acid, showing the coefficents and the phases of all reactants and products. Below is an example of the form of the answer:

sorry to ask for step to step details..but I don't know how to do this at all

No problem at all! I'm here to explain the step-by-step process of balancing the molecular equation for the reaction between zinc and hydrochloric acid.

Step 1: Identify the reactants and products
The reactants in this reaction are zinc (Zn) and hydrochloric acid (HCl). The product generated is hydrogen gas (H₂).

Step 2: Write the unbalanced equation
The unbalanced equation for the reaction is:
Zn + HCl → H₂ + ZnCl₂

Step 3: Balance the equation
To balance the equation, we need to ensure that the same number of each type of atom appears on both sides of the equation. Here's how you can do it:

Balance the zinc atoms:
Since there is only one zinc atom on the reactant side, we should also have just one on the product side. Therefore, we have:
Zn + HCl → H₂ + ZnCl₂

Balance the chlorine atoms:
There are two chlorine atoms in hydrochloric acid (HCl) and one in zinc chloride (ZnCl₂). To balance the chlorine atoms, multiply HCl by 2:
Zn + 2HCl → H₂ + ZnCl₂

Balance the hydrogen atoms:
Currently, there are two hydrogen atoms on the reactant side and two on the product side. So, the equation is already balanced in terms of hydrogen:
Zn + 2HCl → H₂ + ZnCl₂

Now the equation is balanced, with the correct coefficients. Here it is with phases added:
Zn(s) + 2HCl(aq) → H₂(g) + ZnCl₂(aq)

The letters in parentheses indicate the physical states of the substances: (s) for solid, (aq) for aqueous solution, and (g) for gas.

I hope this explanation helps you understand the process of balancing the equation. Let me know if you have any further questions!