Zn(s) + 2HCl(aq) → ZnCl₂(aq) + H₂(g)
Here's a breakdown of the reaction:
* Zn(s): Zinc metal is the solid reactant.
* HCl(aq): Hydrochloric acid is the aqueous reactant (dissolved in water).
* ZnCl₂(aq): Zinc chloride is the aqueous product (dissolved in water).
* H₂(g): Hydrogen gas is the gaseous product.
What happens during the reaction:
1. Zinc metal reacts with hydrochloric acid.
2. The hydrogen ions (H+) from the acid react with zinc to form zinc ions (Zn²+) and hydrogen gas (H₂).
3. The chloride ions (Cl-) from the acid combine with the zinc ions to form zinc chloride (ZnCl₂).
This reaction is an example of a single displacement reaction, where a more reactive metal (zinc) displaces a less reactive element (hydrogen) from its compound.
