Write balanced chemical equations corresponding to each of the following descriptions: c. Solid zinc metal reacts with sulfuric acid to form hydrogen gas and an aqueous solution of zinc sulfate.

Key Concepts

Balancing Chemical Equations

Balancing chemical equations involves ensuring that the number of atoms for each element is the same on both the reactant and product sides. This is based on the law of conservation of mass, which states that matter cannot be created or destroyed in a chemical reaction. Each side of the equation must have equal numbers of each type of atom, which often requires adjusting coefficients in front of the chemical formulas.

Types of Chemical Reactions

The reaction described is a single displacement reaction, where one element replaces another in a compound. In this case, zinc displaces hydrogen from sulfuric acid, resulting in the formation of hydrogen gas and zinc sulfate. Understanding the types of reactions helps in predicting the products and writing the correct balanced equations.

Chemical Formulas and States of Matter

Chemical formulas represent the composition of substances, indicating the types and numbers of atoms involved. In the given reaction, zinc (Zn) is a solid, sulfuric acid (H2SO4) is a liquid, hydrogen (H2) is a gas, and zinc sulfate (ZnSO4) is an aqueous solution. Recognizing the states of matter is crucial for accurately representing the reaction and understanding the physical changes that occur.