Question

Which metal reacts most with dilute acid to displace hydrogen?

• A. Zinc
• B. Copper
• C. Silver
• D. All react the same

Hint:

Metals higher in the reactivity series (like Zinc) react more readily with dilute acids to displace hydrogen.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

Step 1: Understanding reactivity with dilute acids.
The reactivity of a metal with dilute acid to displace hydrogen is governed by its position in the reactivity series. Metals higher in the reactivity series displace hydrogen more readily.
Step 2: Comparison of metals.
- Zinc (Zn) is a highly reactive metal and reacts readily with dilute acids like HCl to release hydrogen gas. - Copper (Cu) and Silver (Ag) are much less reactive and do not react with dilute acids to displace hydrogen under normal conditions.
Step 3: Conclusion.
Thus, Zinc reacts most with dilute acid to displace hydrogen, corresponding to option (A).

Answer 2

Step 1: A metal displaces hydrogen from a dilute acid only if it's more reactive than hydrogen itself.

Step 2: Zinc sits well above hydrogen in the reactivity series, so it readily reacts with dilute acids like HCl to release hydrogen gas.

Step 3: Copper and silver sit below hydrogen, so they don't react with dilute acids this way.

Step 4: So zinc reacts the most — option (A).

Answer 3

Standard electrode potential approach: A metal displaces hydrogen from dilute acid only if its standard reduction potential is more negative than hydrogen's zero reference. Zinc's is well below zero, so it readily gives up electrons to hydrogen ions. Copper's and silver's are both above zero, meaning they'd rather stay as metal than let hydrogen ions take their electrons, so neither reacts with dilute acid this way. Only zinc qualifies, option (A).