Zn(s) + 2HBr(aq) → ZnBr₂(aq) + H₂(g)
Here's a breakdown of the reaction:
* Zn(s): Zinc is the solid metal reactant.
* HBr(aq): Hydrobromic acid is the aqueous reactant.
* ZnBr₂(aq): Zinc bromide is the aqueous product.
* H₂(g): Hydrogen gas is the gaseous product.
Explanation:
* Zinc is a more reactive metal than hydrogen, so it displaces hydrogen from the acid.
* The hydrogen ions (H+) from the acid react with the zinc atoms to form hydrogen gas (H₂).
* Zinc ions (Zn²+) combine with bromide ions (Br-) from the acid to form zinc bromide (ZnBr₂).
This reaction is a classic example of a single displacement reaction, where a more reactive element displaces a less reactive element from a compound.
