When zinc granules react, particularly with acids, a notable chemical transformation occurs, resulting in the rapid production of hydrogen gas and a zinc salt. This process is a classic example of a single displacement reaction.
Understanding Zinc Granules
Zinc granules are solid, crystalline forms of the metal zinc. Their granular nature often provides a larger surface area compared to a solid block, which can influence the speed of a reaction.
Reaction with Acids
Zinc granules are known to react quickly with acids. This interaction is a single displacement reaction, where the more reactive zinc displaces hydrogen from the acid.
Key Aspects of the Reaction:
- Speed: The reaction is typically fast, producing a noticeable effervescence as gas is released.
- Mechanism: Zinc atoms donate electrons and replace the hydrogen ions in the acid.
- Products:
- Hydrogen Gas (H₂): This is the gas that bubbles off during the reaction. It is highly flammable.
- Zinc Salt: The specific salt formed depends on the acid used. For instance, if dilute hydrochloric acid (HCl) is used, zinc chloride (ZnCl₂) is produced as a soluble salt.
Example: Zinc Granules with Dilute Hydrochloric Acid
The reaction of granulated zinc with dilute hydrochloric acid is a common demonstration of this chemical process.
| Reactant 1 | Reactant 2 | Products | Reaction Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Zinc Granules (Zn) | Dilute Hydrochloric Acid (HCl) | Hydrogen Gas (H₂) + Zinc Chloride (ZnCl₂) | Single Displacement |
The chemical equation for this reaction is:
Zn(s) + 2HCl(aq) → ZnCl₂(aq) + H₂(g)
This reaction is a fundamental concept in chemistry, illustrating metal reactivity and the generation of hydrogen gas. For more information on single displacement reactions, you can refer to resources like LibreTexts Chemistry on Displacement Reactions.
