Why is the gas formed by adding a metal to an acid not obtained with every metal?
Answer and explanation
Correct answer: Metals have different reactivities
The governing concept is the reactivity of metals with dilute acids. A metal above hydrogen in the reactivity series can generally displace hydrogen from an acid, producing hydrogen gas; for example, magnesium reacts with hydrochloric acid. Metals below hydrogen, such as copper, usually do not release hydrogen in this way. Thus option A is correct. Options B, C, and D are false because metals differ in reactivity, colour is irrelevant, and some metals do react with acids.
Frequently asked questions
What is the correct answer to this question?
Metals have different reactivities
Why is this the correct answer?
The governing concept is the reactivity of metals with dilute acids. A metal above hydrogen in the reactivity series can generally displace hydrogen from an acid, producing hydrogen gas; for example, magnesium reacts with hydrochloric acid. Metals below hydrogen, such as copper, usually do not release hydrogen in this way. Thus option A is correct. Options B, C, and D are false because metals differ in reactivity, colour is irrelevant, and some metals do react with acids.
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.