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Reaction of Metals with Dilute Acids
Introduction Metals vary considerably in their reactivity. Some metals
react with water at room temperature. Other metals with hot water or
steam. Many metals do not react with water at all. Will metals that are
unreactive with water react with dilute acids? Does a given metal react
the same way with all dilute acids? This experiment compares the
reactions of various metals in three different dilute acids. By observing
their behaviour, you will be able to rank the metals according to their
reactivity.
PROBLEM How do the reactions of various metals in dilute acids compare?
APPARATUS 5 (18 x 150 mm) test tubes
Bunsen burner
MATERIALS
aluminum foil
copper foil
'mossy' zinc
wooden splints
test tube rack
calcium turnings
magnesium ribbon
1 mol/L hydrochloric acid
1 mol/L acetic acid
1 mol /L sulphuric acid
PROCEDURE
1. 1. Prepare a copy of the data table to record your observations.
Metals
Aluminum
Calcium
Copper
Magnesium
Zinc
Reaction with
Hydrochloric Acid
Reaction with
Sulphuric Acid
Reactions with
Acetic Acid
1. 2. In 5 separate test tubes, place i) a 2 cm strip of aluminum foil ii) a
small piece of calcium iii) a 2 cm strip of copper foil iv) a 2 cm strip of
magnesium ribbon and v) a small piece of 'mossy' zinc.
2. 3. Add 5 mL of dilute hydrochloric acid to each of the test tubes and
note the reactions.
3. 4. If a gas is produced, hold your thumb over the mouth of the test tube
until you feel the pressure build up. Release you thumb immediately
bring a burning splint to the mouth of the test tube.
4. 5. Repeat Procedures 2, 3 and 4 using dilute sulphuric acid, and then
dilute acetic acid in place of the hydrochloric acid.
QUESTIONS
a) Did all of the metals tested react with dilute hydrochloric acid? Rank the
metals in order of their reactivity.
b) In reactions that produced a gas, was the same gas formed in each case?
Identify the gas. Where did the gas come from?
c) Compare the reactivity of each metal in the three different acids. Is there
any difference in the vigor of the reactions in the different acids? Do you
notice any pattern?
d) Compare the order of reactivity of the metals in each of the acids. Did you
rank the metals in the same order with each acid?
e) When metals react with acids, two products are produced. One is a gas and
the other is a salt. Write a general word equation for the reaction of a metal
with an acid. Include the name of the gas produced.
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