Question

Zinc is reacted with hydrochloric acid in a test tube. The reaction causes the formation of bubbles and the test tube gets hot. What type of reaction does this example represent?

a. Combustion
b. Decomposition
c. Neutralization
d. Oxidation-reduction

Answer 1

The reaction of zinc with hydrochloric acid, producing bubbles of hydrogen gas and heat, is an oxidation-reduction (redox) reaction.

Step-by-step explanation:

The reaction where zinc is combined with hydrochloric acid, resulting in the production of hydrogen gas bubbles and heat, is an example of an oxidation-reduction reaction. Here's why: Zinc (Zn) is oxidized as it loses electrons, changing from neutral Zn to Zn2+, and the hydrogen ions (H+) from the hydrochloric acid are reduced as they gain electrons, forming hydrogen gas (H2). The balanced chemical equation for this reaction is Zn(s) + 2 HCl(aq) → ZnCl2(aq) + H2(g), showcasing the single-displacement nature of this redox reaction.