Reactions of acids with metals

In a nutshell

Reacting a metal with an acid forms a salt and hydrogen. Certain metals react more violently with acids than others. 

Equations

​

Reacting metals with acids 

The general formula for reacting metals with acids is:

​$$acid\ + metal\ \rightarrow salt\ + hydrogen$$​

​​

1. Hydrogen bubbles 2. Potassium (very reactive) 3. Magnesium (moderate reactivity) 4. Tin (low reactivity) 5. Gold (unreactive)

​

Example

​$$calcium\ +\ sulfuric\ acid\ \rightarrow\ calcium\ sulfate\ +\ hydrogen\\\>\\Ca\ +\ H_{2}SO_{4}\ \rightarrow\ CaSO_{4}\ +\ H_{2}$$

A metal, calcium, reacts with an acid, sulfuric acid, to produce calcium sulfate salt and hydrogen gas. 

​

​

Squeaky pop test

The squeaky pop test can be used to identify if hydrogen is produced in a reaction. A lit splint placed above a test tube and if a squeaky pop is made that confirms the formation of hydrogen.

Reactivity series 

​The more reactive the metal is the more violent the reaction.
​