\( \mathrm{Zn + 2HCl \rightarrow ZnCl_2 + H_2} \) What happens to zinc in the above reaction?

In the above reaction, zinc (Zn) reacts with hydrochloric acid (HCl) to form zinc chloride (ZnCl2) and hydrogen gas (H2). The chemical equation for the reaction is: Zn + 2HCl → ZnCl2 + H2 During the reaction, zinc atoms lose two electrons each and get oxidized to form positively charged zinc ions (Zn2+), as they react with the hydrogen ions (H+) from the hydrochloric acid to form zinc chloride. The hydrogen ions, on the other hand, gain an electron each and get reduced to form hydrogen gas molecules (H2). Therefore, in the given reaction, zinc is getting oxidized, as it loses electrons and forms a positively charged ion. Hence, the correct option is "oxidized."