9 Facts on HCl + Zn: What, How To Balance & FAQs

by

Hydrochloric acid is one of chemistry’s strongest acids, and zinc is a chemical element. Let us study the following discussions on the reaction between HCl and Zn (Zinc).

Zinc (Zn) the third most widely used nonferrous metal combines with hydrochloric acid (HCl) a strong acid with a characteristic pungent smell, forming metal chloride and hydrogen gas. This reaction produces no precipitate upon completion.

This article briefly explores “HCl + Zn” the product, type of reaction, and process to balance this reaction with some relevant facts.

What is the product of HCl and Zn?

HCl + Zn reaction results in the formation of zinc chloride. Excess heat is released during this reaction.

The reaction can be represented as,

Zn + 2HCl → ZnCl2 + H2

What type of reaction is HCl + Zn?

HCl + Zn gives a single-displacement reaction because a metal is replaced by another metal.

 It can be demonstrated by,

B + CD → BD +C

There are two conditions,

  • B and D should be distinct metals (or any element that forms a cation like hydrogen) and C an anion or,

  • B and D should be halogens and C is a cation.

How to balance HCl + Zn

To balance the HCl + Zn reaction equation, count the number of Zn, Cl, and H atoms on each side of the chemical equation. Simply change the coefficients, or the numbers preceding the atoms or compounds, to balance the equation. After adjusting the coefficients, the equation looks like this:

Zn + 2HCl → ZnCl2 + H2

HCl + Zn net ionic equation

For HCl + Zn reaction, the net ionic equation can be written in four steps.

  • Begin by balancing the molecular equation.

Zn + 2HCl → ZnCl2 + H2

  • Represent the states of matter of each element in the reaction, such as solid, liquid, aqueous, or gas.

Zn (solid) + 2HCl (aqueous) → ZnCl2 (aqueous) + H2 (gas)

  • Use ions to represent the soluble compounds.

Zn (s) + 2H+Cl– (aq) → Zn2+Cl–2 (aq) + H2 (g)

  • Balance the number of ions on both sides of the reaction by crossing them out, and the net ionic equation will be,

Zn + 2H+ + 2 Cl– → Zn2+ + 2Cl– + H2

Is HCl + Zn a buffer solution?

HCl + Zn would not produce a buffer solution because hydrochloric acid (HCl) is a strong acid rather than a weak acid.

Is HCl + Zn a complete reaction?

HCl + Zn gives a complete single-displacement reaction (or single-replacement reaction).

Is HCl + Zn an exothermic or endothermic reaction?

The HCl+Zn reaction is exothermic, so a lot of heat is released during this reaction.

Is HCl + Zn a redox reaction?

HCl + Zn gives a redox reaction. Here, zinc is oxidized, hydrogen is reduced, and chloride is an observer ion. As a result, Zn is the reducing agent, while H+ is the oxidizing agent.

Is HCl + Zn a precipitation reaction?

HCl + Zn is not a precipitation reaction because the reaction between zinc and hydrochloric acid does not produce any precipitate.

Is HCl + Zn displacement reaction?

HCl + Zn shows a single-displacement reaction. In a single displacement reaction, zinc replaces hydrogen in a chloride molecule because it is more reactive than hydrogen.

Conclusion

When HCl (hydrochloric acid) and zinc (Zn) react, the by-products are hydrogen gas and zinc chloride. It is a single-replacement, exothermic reaction (also known as a single-displacement reaction).

Read more about 17 Facts on HCl + NH3.