Write word equations and then balanced equations for the reaction taking place when –
dilute sulphuric acid reacts with zinc granules.
Word equation: Zinc + Sulphuric acid → Zinc sulphate + Hydrogen gas Balanced equation: Zn(s) + H₂SO₄(aq) → ZnSO₄(aq) + H₂(g)
dilute hydrochloric acid reacts with magnesium ribbon.
Word equation: Magnesium + Hydrochloric acid → Magnesium chloride + Hydrogen gas Balanced equation: Mg(s) + 2HCl(aq) → MgCl₂(aq) + H₂(g)
dilute sulphuric acid reacts with aluminium powder.
Word equation: Aluminium + Sulphuric acid → Aluminium sulphate + Hydrogen gas Balanced equation: 2Al(s) + 3H₂SO₄(aq) → Al₂(SO₄)₃(aq) + 3H₂(g)
dilute hydrochloric acid reacts with iron filings.
Word equation: Iron + Hydrochloric acid → Iron(II) chloride + Hydrogen gas Balanced equation: Fe(s) + 2HCl(aq) → FeCl₂(aq) + H₂(g)
Explanation
The textbook context establishes that when a metal reacts with an acid, the metal displaces hydrogen atoms from the acids as hydrogen gas and forms a compound called a salt. The general reaction is: Acid + Metal → Salt + Hydrogen gas. For each part, the word equation identifies reactants and products in words, followed by the balanced chemical equation with proper state symbols (s for solid, aq for aqueous, g for gas).