CHEMISTRY

JAMB 2002 - Question 40

Chemistry 2002 JAMB Past Questions - Question 40: Hydrogen is readily released when dilute hydrochloric acid reacts with

Choose the correct answers from the options given.
Hydrogen is readily released when dilute hydrochloric acid reacts with
A:
B:
C:
D:
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Correct Answer

B

Explanation

Hydrogen gas is readily released when dilute hydrochloric acid (HCl) reacts with certain metals, including zinc (Zn), aluminum (Al), iron (Fe), and magnesium (Mg). However, copper (Cu), sodium (Na), gold (Au), and silver (Ag) do not react with hydrochloric acid to release hydrogen gas under normal conditions.

The reactivity of metals with acids depends on their position in the reactivity series. Metals like zinc, aluminum, iron, and magnesium are more reactive than hydrogen and can displace hydrogen from acids, resulting in the formation of metal salts and the release of hydrogen gas. Copper, gold, silver, and sodium are less reactive and do not typically react with dilute hydrochloric acid to produce hydrogen gas.