The Language of Chemistry

Types of Reactions : Metals with dilute acids

Most metals will react with dilute acids to give a salt and hydrogen gas.

In these reactions the metal replaces the hydrogen. Hydrogen gas is liberated (this is shown by the arrow pointing upwards). The other product is a salt which is formed from the chemical bonding of a metal with a non-metal component.

You will notice that the type of salt produced depends on the acid used. Can you identify the reactants and the products shown in the equations above?

Note:

• Dilute acid will have no effect on copper. Copper is not reactive enough to replace the hydrogen in this type of reaction.

• Sodium and potassium are far too reactive to use safely in the laboratory as the metal reactant.

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