Pieces of zinc react with dilute hydrochloric acid to produce zinc chloride and hydrogen gas - Edexcel - GCSE Chemistry - Question 1 - 2017 - Paper 1
Question 1
Pieces of zinc react with dilute hydrochloric acid to produce zinc chloride and hydrogen gas.
(i) State what you would see when zinc is added to dilute hydrochloric... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:Pieces of zinc react with dilute hydrochloric acid to produce zinc chloride and hydrogen gas - Edexcel - GCSE Chemistry - Question 1 - 2017 - Paper 1
Step 1
State what you would see when zinc is added to dilute hydrochloric acid.
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Answer
When zinc is added to dilute hydrochloric acid, you would observe bubbles forming. This is due to the release of hydrogen gas as the reaction occurs. The solution may also appear cloudy as the zinc reacts.
Step 2
Write the word equation for this reaction.
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This describes the reactants and the products formed during the reaction.
Step 3
Describe a test to show that this reaction is exothermic.
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Answer
To demonstrate that the reaction is exothermic, you can perform a test using a thermometer. Measure the temperature of the dilute hydrochloric acid before adding the zinc and then again after the zinc has reacted. If the temperature increases, it indicates that the reaction is exothermic. Alternatively, you can simply feel the reaction mixture; if it feels warmer, it is another sign of an exothermic reaction.
Step 4
State what can be done to the pieces of zinc to make the reaction with the dilute hydrochloric acid faster.
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To speed up the reaction, the pieces of zinc could be made smaller, which increases the surface area available for reaction. This can be achieved either by using powdered zinc or by physically breaking the zinc pieces into smaller fragments.
Step 5
State the effect of adding a catalyst on the rate of a reaction.
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Adding a catalyst increases the rate of a reaction. It helps in lowering the activation energy required for the reaction to occur, thus speeding up the process without being consumed in the reaction.
