What is the correct identification of the gas formed when zinc reacts with dilute hydrochloric acid?
Answer and explanation
Correct answer: Hydrogen gas
The governing reaction is metal–acid displacement. Zinc, being above hydrogen in the reactivity series, displaces hydrogen from hydrochloric acid: Zn + 2HCl → ZnCl₂ + H₂. The gas released is hydrogen, and a sample gives a characteristic ‘pop’ when tested with a burning splint. Thus option A is correct. Oxygen is not released, chlorine is not produced, and carbon dioxide requires a carbonate or hydrogen carbonate reactant.
Frequently asked questions
What is the correct answer to this question?
Hydrogen gas
Why is this the correct answer?
The governing reaction is metal–acid displacement. Zinc, being above hydrogen in the reactivity series, displaces hydrogen from hydrochloric acid: Zn + 2HCl → ZnCl₂ + H₂. The gas released is hydrogen, and a sample gives a characteristic ‘pop’ when tested with a burning splint. Thus option A is correct. Oxygen is not released, chlorine is not produced, and carbon dioxide requires a carbonate or hydrogen carbonate reactant.
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.
