Metal and acid (AQA GCSE Combined Science: Trilogy): Revision Note Exam code: 8464

Metal and acid (AQA GCSE Combined Science: Trilogy): Revision Note

Exam code: 8464

Reactions of acids with metals

  • Only metals above hydrogen in the reactivity series will react with dilute acids

    • Therefore copper can not react with acids

  • The more reactive the metal then the more vigorous the reaction will be

  • Metals that are placed high on the reactivity series such as potassium and sodium are very dangerous and react explosively with acids

  • When acids react with metals they form a salt and hydrogen gas:

  • The general equation is:

metal + acid ⟶ salt + hydrogen

  • Some examples of metal-acid reactions and their equations are given below:

Table of acid-metal reactions

Metal

Sulfuric acid

Hydrochloric acid

 Magnesium 

 Mg (s) + H2SO4 (aq) → MgSO4 (aq) + H2 (g)

 Mg (s) + 2HCl (aq) → MgCl2 (aq) + H2 (g)

 Zinc

Zn (s) + H2SO4 (aq) → ZnSO4 (aq) + H2 (g) 

 Zn (s) + 2HCl (aq) → ZnCl2 (aq) + H2 (g)

 Iron

Fe (s) + H2SO4 (aq) → FeSO4 (aq) + H2 (g)

 Fe (s) + 2HCl (aq) → FeCl2 (aq) + H2 (g)

Examiner Tips and Tricks

Sulfuric acid reacts with metals and produces sulfate salts while hydrochloric acid produces chloride salts.


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