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JAMB UTME - Chemistry - 2024

Question 1 Report

What is formed when metal reacts with acid to liberate gas?
Answer Details

When a metal reacts with an acid, a chemical reaction takes place in which the metal displaces the hydrogen in the acid. This reaction produces a salt and hydrogen gas is liberated in the process.


Let's break it down further:


  • Metal: Metals are elements that can react with acids to produce salts.
  • Acid: Acids typically contain hydrogen ions (H+) which are replaced by metal ions during the reaction.
  • Salt: A salt is an ionic compound that forms when the hydrogen ions of the acid are replaced by metal ions.
  • Hydrogen Gas: This is the gas that is liberated during the reaction. You may observe bubbles forming as the gas escapes.

The general equation for the reaction is:


Metal + Acid → Salt + Hydrogen Gas


For example, when zinc (a metal) reacts with hydrochloric acid (an acid), the reaction is as follows:


Zn + 2HCl → ZnCl2 + H2


Here, zinc chloride (a salt) and hydrogen gas are produced. This illustrates that salt and hydrogen gas are formed when a metal reacts with an acid.