Hydrogen is readily released when dilute hydrochloric acid reacts with

Hydrogen is readily released when dilute hydrochloric acid reacts with sodium (Na). When an acid reacts with a metal, it typically produces hydrogen gas and a salt. In the case of dilute hydrochloric acid and sodium, the reaction produces sodium chloride (NaCl) and hydrogen gas (H2). The reaction between dilute hydrochloric acid and sodium can be represented by the following equation: 2HCl(aq) + 2Na(s) → 2NaCl(aq) + H2(g) In this reaction, the hydrogen ions (H+) from the acid react with the metal atoms from the sodium (Na) to form hydrogen gas (H2). The sodium ions (Na+) combine with the chloride ions (Cl-) from the acid to form sodium chloride (NaCl), which dissolves in the water. The other options listed, such as Cu, Au, and Ag, do not react with hydrochloric acid to produce hydrogen gas. These metals have different chemical properties and reactivities compared to sodium, and would react differently with hydrochloric acid.