Reaction Between Zinc Metal and HCl (dil.)

This experiment aims to study the displacement reaction between hydrochloric acid with zinc metal. The reaction between zinc metal and the hydrochloric acid solution is an example of a single displacement reaction. Zinc reacts with dilute hydrochloric acid to give zinc chloride and hydrogen gas. The hydrogen gas is seen in the form of effervescence (bubbles) in the test tube when zinc granules are added to dilute hydrochloric acid. Blue and red litmus papers are used to confirm the nature of the hydrogen gas evolved.

                                        Zn (s) + 2HCl (aq) ? ZnCl₂ (aq)  + H₂ (g)

In this experiment, apparatus and materials are required: test tube, test tube stand with clamp, crucible tong, dropper, moist blue and red litmus paper, zinc granules, dilute hydrochloric acid

To perform this experiment, steps to be followed in the following manner:

1. Take a test tube and clamp it to a stand.
2. Using a crucible tong, add zinc granules to the test tube. 
3. Add dilute hydrochloric acid to the test tube using a dropper. 
4. As the effervescence starts coming from the test tube, hold the moist blue and red litmus paper to the mouth of the test tube.
5. Observe the changes in the litmus paper.

From this experiment, we hereby conclude that when zinc reacts with a hydrochloric acid solution, a single displacement reaction occurs, and zinc chloride hydrogen gas is produced. Hydrogen (H2) gas is neutral in nature, which is confirmed by the litmus test. 

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