Acids and metals

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Lesson notes

General Reaction

With dilute hydrochloric or dilute sulfuric acid, metal + acid → salt + hydrogen.
Hydrogen bubbles form at the metal; the mixture may also get warmer.
Metals above hydrogen in the reactivity series can displace it from these dilute acids.
Copper and gold do not react with dilute hydrochloric acid.

Reactivity and Vigour

Under the same conditions, a more reactive metal usually fizzes faster.
The reactivity series orders metals from most to least reactive.
Magnesium reacts more vigorously than iron with dilute hydrochloric acid.
Aluminium has a protective oxide layer, so its visible reaction rate is not always predicted by position alone.

Hydrochloric Acid Reactions

Hydrochloric acid forms metal chlorides.
Example: iron + hydrochloric acid → iron chloride + hydrogen
Example: magnesium + hydrochloric acid → magnesium chloride + hydrogen

Sulfuric Acid Reactions

Sulfuric acid forms metal sulfates.
Example: zinc + dilute sulfuric acid → zinc sulfate + hydrogen
Example: aluminium + dilute sulfuric acid → aluminium sulfate + hydrogen

Nitric Acid Reactions

Nitric acid can form metal nitrates, but metal reactions usually do not release hydrogen.
Concentrated nitric acid reacts with copper to make copper nitrate and toxic brown nitrogen dioxide.
This reaction must be demonstrated in a fume cupboard.

Non-Reactive Metals

Copper and gold do not react with dilute hydrochloric acid because they are below hydrogen in the reactivity series.
Copper can react with nitric acid, while gold does not react with nitric acid alone.

States of matter: particle arrangement in solid, liquid, and gas.

Slides

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Practice questions

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1.Complete the general word equation for the reaction between a metal and an acid: metal + acid →
Easy
- Asalt + hydrogen
- Bsalt + water
- Cmetal oxide + hydrogen
- Dmetal chloride + hydrogen
2.What is the product when magnesium reacts with hydrochloric acid?
Easy
- Amagnesium chloride and hydrogen
- Bmagnesium sulfate and hydrogen
- Cmagnesium nitrate and hydrogen
- Dmagnesium oxide and hydrogen
3.Which of the following is a sign that a chemical reaction is occurring when a metal is placed in an acid?
Medium
- Atemperature rise
- Btemperature drop
- Ccolour change only
- Dprecipitate formation
4.Why is there no reaction between gold and hydrochloric acid?
Medium
- AGold is less reactive than hydrogen.
- BGold is more reactive than hydrogen.
- CGold does not react with any acid.
- DGold is a noble gas.
5.What salt is formed when zinc reacts with dilute sulfuric acid?
Easy
- Azinc sulfate
- Bzinc chloride
- Czinc nitrate
- Dzinc oxide
6.Which metal would react most vigorously with hydrochloric acid?
Medium
- Acalcium
- Bmagnesium
- Czinc
- Diron
7.Which of the following reactions will NOT occur?
Medium
- Acopper + sulfuric acid
- Bzinc + hydrochloric acid
- Cmagnesium + nitric acid
- Diron + hydrochloric acid
8.A student adds a metal to an acid and observes fizzing. Which metal is most likely being used?
Easy
- Amagnesium
- Bcopper
- Cgold
- Dsilver

More questions

9.What type of compound is formed when a metal reacts with an acid?
Easy
- Aa salt
- Ban oxide
- Ca hydroxide
- Da carbonate
10.Which gas is produced when a metal reacts with an acid?
Easy
- Ahydrogen
- Boxygen
- Ccarbon dioxide
- Dnitrogen
11.A reaction between calcium and hydrochloric acid is more vigorous than the reaction between magnesium and hydrochloric acid. Which statement explains this?
Medium
- ACalcium is more reactive than magnesium.
- BCalcium is less reactive than magnesium.
- CCalcium has a higher density.
- DCalcium is a solid.
12.A student adds a piece of metal X to dilute hydrochloric acid. The temperature rises from 21°C to 35°C, and fizzing is observed. Which statement about metal X is most likely correct?
Medium
- AMetal X is more reactive than hydrogen.
- BMetal X is less reactive than hydrogen.
- CMetal X is copper.
- DMetal X is gold.
13.In an experiment, 0.5 g of magnesium ribbon is added to 50 cm³ of 1 mol/dm³ hydrochloric acid. The volume of hydrogen gas collected is 480 cm³ at room temperature and pressure. Which calculation gives the number of moles of hydrogen produced? (Molar volume at RTP = 24 dm³/mol)
Hard
- A480 / 24000
- B0.5 / 24
- C50 / 1000
- D1 × 0.05
14.
The table shows the results of adding four different metals to dilute hydrochloric acid.
Metal Observation
W No reaction
X Slow fizzing
Y Vigorous fizzing, temperature rises quickly
Z Very slow fizzing over time
Which metal is most reactive?
Medium
- AW
- BX
- CY
- DZ
15.A student reacts 0.1 mol of magnesium with excess hydrochloric acid. What mass of magnesium chloride is produced? (Ar: Mg = 24, Cl = 35.5)
Hard
- A9.5 g
- B0.1 g
- C24 g
- D95 g
16.Which salt is produced when zinc reacts with dilute sulfuric acid?
Easy
- AZinc sulfate
- BZinc chloride
- CZinc nitrate
- DZinc sulfide
17.In an experiment, excess magnesium is added to 25 cm³ of 2 mol/dm³ hydrochloric acid. Which volume of hydrogen gas is produced at RTP? (Molar volume = 24 dm³/mol)
Hard
- A0.6 dm³
- B1.2 dm³
- C0.3 dm³
- D0.05 dm³
18.What is the general word equation for the reaction between a metal and an acid?
Easy
- Ametal + acid → salt + hydrogen
- Bmetal + acid → base + hydrogen
- Cmetal + acid → salt + water
- Dmetal + acid → oxide + hydrogen
19.A student adds a metal to an acid and observes that the temperature increases. Which statement explains why the temperature rises?
Medium
- AThe reaction is exothermic, releasing heat energy.
- BThe reaction is endothermic, absorbing heat energy.
- CThe acid is heated by the metal.
- DThe hydrogen gas produced is hot.
20.A student adds 0.5 g of calcium to excess hydrochloric acid. Which gas is produced and what is its test?
Medium
- AHydrogen; a lighted splint gives a squeaky pop
- BOxygen; a glowing splint relights
- CCarbon dioxide; turns limewater milky
- DChlorine; bleaches damp litmus paper
21.In an experiment, a student adds 0.5 g of magnesium ribbon to excess hydrochloric acid and collects the hydrogen gas produced. After the reaction finishes, the student measures the volume of gas. Which piece of apparatus is most suitable for measuring the volume of hydrogen gas?
Medium
- AA gas syringe
- BA measuring cylinder
- CA burette
- DA pipette
22.A student sets up an experiment to compare the rates of reaction of magnesium and zinc with dilute hydrochloric acid. They use equal masses of each metal and excess acid. Which of the following would be the most reliable way to measure the rate of reaction?
Medium
- AMeasure the time taken for the metal to disappear completely
- BMeasure the increase in temperature every 10 seconds
- CMeasure the volume of hydrogen gas produced every 30 seconds
- DMeasure the pH of the acid at the start and end of the reaction
23.In an experiment, a student adds excess zinc to 25 cm³ of 1 mol/dm³ hydrochloric acid. Which of the following changes would increase the rate of reaction?
Medium
- AUsing 25 cm³ of 0.5 mol/dm³ hydrochloric acid
- BUsing 50 cm³ of 1 mol/dm³ hydrochloric acid
- CUsing zinc powder instead of zinc granules
- DUsing a larger beaker
24.A student reacts 0.05 mol of calcium with excess hydrochloric acid. What volume of hydrogen gas is produced at room temperature and pressure (molar volume = 24 dm³/mol)?
Medium
- A1.2 dm³
- B0.6 dm³
- C1.2 cm³
- D0.6 cm³
25.A student adds a piece of metal X to dilute hydrochloric acid. The temperature rises from 20°C to 30°C, and fizzing is observed. Which statement about metal X is correct?
Medium
- AMetal X is less reactive than hydrogen
- BMetal X is more reactive than hydrogen
- CMetal X is copper
- DMetal X is gold
26.A student wants to test for hydrogen gas produced in a reaction between a metal and an acid. Which test is correct?
Easy
- APlace a glowing splint into the gas; it relights
- BPlace a lit splint near the gas; it burns with a squeaky pop
- CBubble the gas through limewater; it turns milky
- DHold damp blue litmus paper in the gas; it turns red
27.In an experiment, a student adds 0.24 g of magnesium to excess hydrochloric acid. The hydrogen gas collected occupies 240 cm³ at room temperature and pressure. What is the molar volume of hydrogen under these conditions? (Ar: Mg = 24)
Hard
- A24 dm³/mol
- B240 cm³/mol
- C24 cm³/mol
- D240 dm³/mol
28.A student adds iron filings to dilute sulfuric acid. Which salt is produced?
Easy
- AIron sulfate
- BIron sulfide
- CIron sulfite
- DIron sulfate(IV)
29.Which of the following metals will NOT react with dilute hydrochloric acid?
Easy
- AZinc
- BIron
- CCopper
- DMagnesium
30.When a metal reacts with an acid, which of the following is always produced?
Easy
- AA salt and water
- BA salt and hydrogen
- CA salt and carbon dioxide
- DA salt and oxygen
31.What salt is produced when zinc reacts with dilute sulfuric acid?
Easy
- AZinc sulfate
- BZinc chloride
- CZinc nitrate
- DZinc oxide
32.Why is there no reaction when gold is placed in nitric acid?
Easy
- AGold is less reactive than hydrogen
- BGold is more reactive than hydrogen
- CGold is a noble gas
- DGold does not conduct electricity
33.A student adds calcium to hydrochloric acid. Which observation indicates a more vigorous reaction compared to magnesium?
Medium
- AMore vigorous fizzing and a greater temperature rise
- BLess fizzing and a smaller temperature rise
- CNo change in temperature
- DA colour change to green
34.When a metal reacts with an acid, the temperature of the mixture always decreases.
Easy
True or false?
35.Copper does not react with dilute sulfuric acid because copper is less reactive than hydrogen.
Medium
True or false?
36.Match each acid to the type of salt it produces when reacting with a metal.
Easy
- Hydrochloric acid
- Sulfuric acid
- Nitric acid
- Chloride salt
- Sulfate salt
- Nitrate salt
37.Arrange the following metals in order of increasing reactivity with acids (least reactive first).
Medium
- Gold
- Iron
- Magnesium
- Calcium
38.Which of the following metals will NOT react with dilute hydrochloric acid? (Select all that apply.)
Easy
- ACopper
- BMagnesium
- CGold
- DZinc
39.Which word equation correctly represents the reaction between aluminium and dilute sulfuric acid?
Medium
- Aaluminium + sulfuric acid → aluminium sulfate + hydrogen
- Baluminium + sulfuric acid → aluminium sulfide + water
- Caluminium + sulfuric acid → aluminium sulfate + water
- Daluminium + sulfuric acid → aluminium nitrate + hydrogen
40.What gas is produced when a metal reacts with an acid?
Easy
- AOxygen
- BHydrogen
- CCarbon dioxide
- DNitrogen
41.Which of the following are signs that a chemical reaction is taking place when a metal is added to an acid? (Select all that apply.)
Easy
- ATemperature rise
- BFizzing
- CColor change
- DFormation of a precipitate
42.Arrange the following reactions in order of increasing vigour (least vigorous first).
Medium
- Iron + hydrochloric acid
- Magnesium + hydrochloric acid
- Calcium + hydrochloric acid
43.A student adds a piece of metal to dilute hydrochloric acid and observes a very vigorous reaction with effervescence and the metal disappears quickly. Which metal is most likely being used?
Medium
- ACopper
- BGold
- CCalcium
- DIron
44.Complete the general word equation for the reaction between a metal and an acid.
Easy
metal + acid → ____ + ____
45.Complete the word equation for the reaction of magnesium with hydrochloric acid.
Easy
magnesium + hydrochloric acid → ____ + ____
46.State how the temperature of the products compares to the temperature of the reactants when magnesium reacts with hydrochloric acid.
Easy
47.Other than a temperature change, state another way we could tell a chemical reaction has taken place when a metal reacts with an acid.
Easy
48.Describe why there would be no reaction between gold and hydrochloric acid.
Medium
49.Some calcium now reacts with hydrochloric acid. State and explain how the reaction would compare to that of magnesium and hydrochloric acid.
Medium
50.Complete the word equation for the reaction between calcium and hydrochloric acid.
Easy
calcium + hydrochloric acid → ____ + ____
51.Complete the word equation: calcium + dilute sulfuric acid → ___ + ___
Easy
calcium + sulfuric acid → ____ + ____
52.Complete the word equation: zinc + hydrochloric acid → ___ + ___
Easy
zinc + hydrochloric acid → ____ + ____
53.Complete the word equation for the reaction between iron and dilute sulfuric acid.
Easy
iron + sulfuric acid → ____ + ____
54.A student adds 0.1 mol of magnesium to excess hydrochloric acid. What mass of magnesium chloride is produced? (Ar: Mg = 24, Cl = 35.5)
Hard
55.A student adds 0.1 mol of magnesium to excess hydrochloric acid. What mass of magnesium chloride is produced? (Ar: Mg = 24, Cl = 35.5)
Medium
- A10.5 g
- B9.5 g
- C11.5 g
- D8.5 g

Revision notes

## Acids and Metals - When a metal reacts with an acid, a **salt** and **hydrogen gas** are produced. - General word equation: **metal + acid → salt + hydrogen** - Signs of reaction: temperature rise, effervescence (fizzing), or even flames for very reactive metals. - The more reactive the metal, the more vigorous the reaction. ### Reactivity Series Metals above hydrogen in the reactivity series react with acids; those below (e.g., copper, gold) do not. ### Acid Types and Salts Formed - **Hydrochloric acid** → metal **chloride** + hydrogen - e.g., magnesium + hydrochloric acid → magnesium chloride + hydrogen - **Sulfuric acid** → metal **sulfate** + hydrogen - e.g., zinc + sulfuric acid → zinc sulfate + hydrogen - **Nitric acid** → metal **nitrate** + hydrogen - e.g., calcium + nitric acid → calcium nitrate + hydrogen ### Key Points - Hydrogen gas is produced because metals displace hydrogen from the acid (metals are more reactive than hydrogen). - No reaction with metals less reactive than hydrogen (e.g., copper, gold). - Example: gold + nitric acid → no reaction (gold + nitric acid).

Salt: A chemical compound formed when a metal reacts with an acid, replacing the hydrogen in the acid.
Hydrogen gas: A gas produced when a metal reacts with an acid; formula H₂.
Reactivity series: A list of metals ordered by their reactivity, from most reactive to least reactive.
Effervescence: Fizzing or bubbling observed when a gas is released during a chemical reaction.
Displacement: When a more reactive metal takes the place of hydrogen in an acid, forming a salt and releasing hydrogen gas.

Flashcards

What are the two products when a metal reacts with an acid?

A salt and hydrogen gas.

Write the general word equation for the reaction between a metal and an acid.

metal + acid → salt + hydrogen

What type of salt is formed when hydrochloric acid reacts with a metal?

A metal chloride.

Complete: iron + hydrochloric acid → ?

iron chloride + hydrogen

Complete: magnesium + hydrochloric acid → ?

magnesium chloride + hydrogen

What type of salt is formed when sulfuric acid reacts with a metal?

A metal sulfate.

Complete: zinc + sulfuric acid → ?

zinc sulfate + hydrogen

Complete: aluminium + sulfuric acid → ?

aluminium sulfate + hydrogen

What type of salt is formed when nitric acid reacts with a metal?

A metal nitrate.

Complete: iron + nitric acid → ?

iron nitrate + hydrogen

Complete: calcium + nitric acid → ?

calcium nitrate + hydrogen

Why does hydrogen gas form when a metal reacts with an acid?

Because the metal is more reactive than hydrogen and displaces it from the acid.

Why do copper and gold not react with acids?

Because they are less reactive than hydrogen, so they cannot displace it.

What happens when gold is placed in nitric acid?

No reaction occurs; gold and nitric acid remain unchanged.

What are two signs that a chemical reaction is occurring when a metal reacts with an acid?

A temperature rise and effervescence (fizzing).

How does the reactivity of the metal affect the reaction with an acid?

The more reactive the metal, the more vigorous the reaction.

Which metal would have a more vigorous reaction with hydrochloric acid: magnesium or iron?

Magnesium, because it is higher in the reactivity series.

Complete: calcium + hydrochloric acid → ?

calcium chloride + hydrogen

Complete: calcium + sulfuric acid → ?

calcium sulfate + hydrogen

Complete: zinc + hydrochloric acid → ?

zinc chloride + hydrogen

Complete: aluminium + nitric acid → ?

aluminium nitrate + hydrogen

Complete: iron + sulfuric acid → ?

iron sulfate + hydrogen

Complete: magnesium + nitric acid → ?

magnesium nitrate + hydrogen

Complete: aluminium + hydrochloric acid → ?

aluminium chloride + hydrogen

Complete: zinc + nitric acid → ?

zinc nitrate + hydrogen

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Metal	Observation
W	No reaction
X	Slow fizzing
Y	Vigorous fizzing, temperature rises quickly
Z	Very slow fizzing over time