When zinc reacts with hydrochloric acid, which gas is produced?

When zinc reacts with hydrochloric acid, which gas is produced?

• A. Oxygen
• B. Nitrogen
• C. Hydrogen
• D. Carbon Dioxide

Answer: (C)

When a metal reacts with an acid, hydrogen gas is typically produced. Here, zinc donates electrons and is oxidized to Zn2+, while the hydrogen ions from hydrochloric acid gain electrons to form H2 gas. The balanced equation is Zn + 2HCl → ZnCl2 + H2, showing that hydrogen gas is the product. The other gases listed aren’t formed in this reaction because the reactants don’t contain oxygen, nitrogen, or carbon-containing species that would produce those gases; hydrogen comes directly from the acid’s H+ ions. You can test for hydrogen gas with a squeaky pop from a burning splint to confirm it.

When a metal reacts with an acid, hydrogen gas is typically produced. Here, zinc donates electrons and is oxidized to Zn2+, while the hydrogen ions from hydrochloric acid gain electrons to form H2 gas. The balanced equation is Zn + 2HCl → ZnCl2 + H2, showing that hydrogen gas is the product. The other gases listed aren’t formed in this reaction because the reactants don’t contain oxygen, nitrogen, or carbon-containing species that would produce those gases; hydrogen comes directly from the acid’s H+ ions. You can test for hydrogen gas with a squeaky pop from a burning splint to confirm it.