Aadya Isai

1. What happens in the reaction:

When a metal reacts with a dilute acid, it’s a redox reaction.

• Metal atoms lose electrons → become positive ions (oxidation)

• Hydrogen ions (H⁺) from the acid gain electrons → form hydrogen gas (reduction)

General reaction:

• Metal + Acid → Salt + Hydrogen gas

• Magnesium + Hydrochloric acid → Magnesium chloride + Hydrogen

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2. Why different metals react differently

• Metals that lose electrons easily reacts faster.

• Metals that hold onto electrons react slower or not at all.

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3. Reactivity series:

• High in series → very reactive

• Middle → moderate reaction

• Low in series → little or no reaction

• magnesium → reacts very fast (vigorous bubbling)

• iron → reacts slowly (gentle bubbling)

• copper → no reaction

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4. Role of hydrogen:

A metal will only react with dilute acids if it is more reactive than hydrogen.

• Metals like magnesium, which are more reactive than hydrogen, react vigorously with dilute acids and releases hydrogen gas.

• Metals like copper, which are less reactive than hydrogen, do not react with dilute acids.