Question

Write word equations and then balanced equations for the reaction taking place when:
(a) Dilute sulphuric acid reacts with zinc granules.
(b) Dilute hydrochloric acid reacts with magnesium ribbon.
(c) Dilute sulphuric acid reacts with aluminium powder.
(d) Dilute hydrochloric acid reacts with iron filings.

Answer 1

a) Dilute sulphuric acid reacts with zinc granules to produce zinc sulphate and hydrogen gas

$H_{2}S{O}_4\left(aq\right)+Zn\left(s\right)\to ZnS{O}_4\left(aq\right)+H_2\left(g\right)$

(b) Dilute hydrochloric acid reacts with magnesium ribbon to produce magnesium chloride and hydrogen gas.

$2HCl\left(aq\right)+Mg\left(s\right)\to MgC{l}_2\left(aq\right)+H_2\left(g\right)$

(c) Dilute sulphuric acid reacts with aluminium powder to produce aluminium sulphate and hydrogen gas.

$3H_{2}S{O}_4\left(aq\right)+2Al\left(s\right)\to A{l}_2\left(S{O}_4{)}_3\right(aq)+3H_2(g)$

(d) Dilute hydrochloric acid reacts with iron filings to produce ferric chloride and hydrogen gas.

$6HCl\left(aq\right)+Fe\left(s\right)\to 2FeC{l}_3\left(aq\right)+3H_2\left(g\right)$