Magnesium and copper are separately added to an acid. Magnesium gives bubbles but copper does not. What is the correct reason?
Answer and explanation
Correct answer: Magnesium is more reactive than copper
A metal above hydrogen in the reactivity series can displace hydrogen from a dilute, non-oxidising acid: metal + acid → salt + H₂. Magnesium is above hydrogen and is more reactive than copper, so it produces hydrogen bubbles. Copper is below hydrogen and generally does not liberate hydrogen from dilute hydrochloric or dilute sulphuric acid. Thus option A is correct; the other statements are chemically false.
Frequently asked questions
What is the correct answer to this question?
Magnesium is more reactive than copper
Why is this the correct answer?
A metal above hydrogen in the reactivity series can displace hydrogen from a dilute, non-oxidising acid: metal + acid → salt + H₂. Magnesium is above hydrogen and is more reactive than copper, so it produces hydrogen bubbles. Copper is below hydrogen and generally does not liberate hydrogen from dilute hydrochloric or dilute sulphuric acid. Thus option A is correct; the other statements are chemically false.
Which subject and chapter does this question cover?
This is a Class 10 Science question. Chapter: Chemical Substances – Nature and Behaviour. Topic: Acids, Bases, and Salts.
