Acids and metals
When an acid reacts with a metal, hydrogen gas and a salt are
produced. A salt is an ionic compound containing the ions left over
after reaction. The general reaction can be written as:
acid + metal  hydrogen + salt
An example is:
Hydrochloric + magnesium  magnesium + hydrogen
acid
chloride
2HCl(aq) + Mg(s)  MgCl2(aq) + H2(g)
Note that a subscript ‘(g)’ is used to show a gas.
Hydrogen can be tested for using the ‘pop’ test. A lit match is placed
in the test tube. If hydrogen is present it will undergo rapid
combustion, making a ‘popping’ sound as it ignites.
An Awesatomic Production!
Experiment: Acids and metals
Aim: To identify and describe the reactants and
products in reactions between acids and metals.
Hypothesis: If an acid and metal are combined then the
products will be ________________
Equipment:
 Hydrochloric acid
 Sulfuric acid
 Test tubes
 Test tube rack
 Rubber Stopper
 Matches
 Aluminium
 Magnesium
 Copper
 Tin
 Sandpaper
Method:
1. Add 2cm depth of the acid to a test tube, drop a
small piece of magnesium metal into the test tube
and close with the plug. Observe what happens.
2. Open the test tube plug partially and hold a lit
splint over the opening.
3. Repeat with the other acids and metals. NB: You
will need to scratch the aluminium and copper with
some sandpaper first to remove the outer coating.
An Awesatomic Production!
Results:
Name and formula of Acid
Name and symbol of Metal Observation
Hydrochloric Acid
Copper
Hydrochloric Acid
Magnesium
Hydrochloric Acid
Aluminium
Hydrochloric Acid
Tin
Sulphuric Acid
Copper
Sulphuric Acid
Magnesium
Sulphuric Acid
Aluminium
Sulphuric Acid
Tin
Discussion:
1. Write word equations for each of the reactions between the acids and
metals.
2. Write chemical equations for each of the reactions between the acids and
metals
3. Identify the gas produced on each occasion.
4. Describe the test you would perform to identify the production of hydrogen
during a chemical reaction
5. Write a word equation for the combustion (reaction with oxygen) of
hydrogen.
An Awesatomic Production!