Zinc Reacting with Hydrochloric Acid
Zn + 2HCl → ZnCl2 + H2
Overview
Zinc granules react with hydrochloric acid to produce zinc chloride and hydrogen gas. This is a moderately vigorous reaction commonly used in laboratories to generate hydrogen gas for experiments. The reaction rate can be increased by using powdered zinc or warming the acid.
Participants
| Role | Substance | Coefficient | State |
|---|---|---|---|
| Reactant | Zinc Zn | 1 | (s) |
| Reactant | Hydrochloric Acid HCl | 2 | (aq) |
| Product | Hydrogen H | 1 | (g) |
Everyday Example
This reaction is commonly demonstrated in school labs with Kipp's apparatus to generate a steady stream of hydrogen gas for collection and testing.
Industrial Importance
Zinc chloride produced from this reaction is used as a flux in soldering, in textile processing, and as a catalyst in organic reactions.
Properties
- Type
- Single Replacement
- Reversible
- No
- Energy
- Exothermic
- ΔH
- -152.4 kJ/mol
Related Reactions
Aluminum Reacting with Hydrochloric Acid
Aluminum Reacting with Iron(III) Oxide (Thermite)
Aluminum Reducing Chromium Oxide (Aluminothermic)
Calcium Reacting with Water
Carbon Reducing Iron Oxide in Blast Furnace
Chlorine Displacing Bromine from Sodium Bromide
Chlorine Displacing Iodine from Potassium Iodide
Copper Displacing Silver from Silver Nitrate
Fluorine Displacing Chlorine from Sodium Chloride
Hydrogen Reducing Copper Oxide
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the equation for Zinc Reacting with Hydrochloric Acid?
The balanced equation is: Zn + 2HCl → ZnCl₂ + H₂.
What type of reaction is Zinc Reacting with Hydrochloric Acid?
Zinc Reacting with Hydrochloric Acid is a single replacement reaction.
Is Zinc Reacting with Hydrochloric Acid exothermic or endothermic?
Zinc Reacting with Hydrochloric Acid is exothermic (releases energy). The enthalpy change (ΔH) is -152.4 kJ/mol.