Here's the balanced chemical equation:
Ca (s) + 2 HCl (aq) → CaCl₂ (aq) + H₂ (g)
Here's a breakdown:
* Calcium (Ca) is a more reactive metal than hydrogen (H).
* Hydrochloric acid (HCl) is a strong acid that contains hydrogen ions (H+).
* Calcium chloride (CaCl₂) is a salt formed by the reaction of calcium and chlorine ions.
* Hydrogen gas (H₂) is produced as a byproduct of the reaction.
Observations:
* Calcium reacts vigorously with hydrochloric acid, producing bubbles of hydrogen gas.
* The solution will heat up due to the exothermic reaction.
* Calcium chloride dissolves in water, making the solution clear.
Note: This reaction is an example of a single replacement reaction where a more reactive metal (calcium) replaces a less reactive element (hydrogen) in a compound (hydrochloric acid).
