Question

What happens when a metal reacts with an acid?

Answer 1

Acids reacts with reactive metals, such as magnesium and zinc, to make a salt and hydrogen.

Explanation:

Acids reacts with reactive metals, such as magnesium and zinc, to make a salt and hydrogen.

acid + metal `rarr` salt + hydrogen

For example:

magnesium + sulfuric acid `rarr` magnesium sulfate + hydrogen

`"Mg"("s")` + `"H"_2"SO"_4("aq")` → `"MgSO"_4("aq")` + `"H"_2("g")`

The hydrogen causes bubbling during the reaction. It can be detected using a lighted splint, which causes the gas to burn with a squeaky pop.