Question

Zinc liberates hydrogen gas when reacted with dilute hydrochloric acid, whereas copper does not. Why?

• A. Zinc is above hydrogen whereas Copper is below hydrogen in the activity series of metals.
• B. Copper is above hydrogen whereas Zinc is below hydrogen in the activity series of metals.
• C. There is no recaction when zinc is added to dilute hydrochloric acid.
• D. None of the above

Answer 1

The correct option is A

Zinc is above hydrogen whereas Copper is below hydrogen in the activity series of metals.

Zinc is above hydrogen whereas copper is below hydrogen in the activity series of metals. That is why zinc displaces hydrogen from dilute hydrochloric acid, while copper does not.
$Zn+HCl\to ZnC{l}_2+H_2$
$Cu+HCl\to$ No reaction