The reaction of zinc metal and hydrochloric acid produces hydrogen gas and zinc chloride. Write the balanced chemical equation.

Answer 1

Via a single-replacement reaction, the zinc atom replacements the hydrogen atom in hydrochloric acid (HCl). When hydrogen is replaced, it becomes a stand-alone element with the equation H₂ (diatomic). Other elements that become diatomic when presenting alone include Br, I, N, Cl, O, and F. See the balance chemical reaction below.

Zn_(s) + 2HCl_(aq) --> ZnCl_2(aq)+ H_2(g)