(a) Write a balanced equation for the reaction of zinc and dilute hydrochloric acid.
(b) State what is observed when hydrochloric acid is added to silver nitrate solution.
(a) The reaction between zinc and hydrochloric acid leads to the formation of zinc chloride, as shown below:
Zn(s) + 2HCl(aq) → ZnCl2(aq) + H2(g)
Zinc chloride
(b) When dilute hydrochloric acid is treated with silver nitrate solution, a curdy white precipitate of silver chloride is formed.
HCl(aq) + AgNO3(aq) → AgCl(s) + HNO3(aq)
(White ppt.)