Balance Zn + HCl → ZnCl₂ + H₂
Zn(s) + 2 HCl(aq) → ZnCl₂(aq) + H₂(g)
Balance an equation
Zn(s)+2HCl(aq)→ZnCl₂(aq)+H₂(g)
Balanced
Atoms on each side
| Atom | As writtenleft : right | Balancedleft : right |
|---|---|---|
| Zn | 1:1 | 1:1 |
| H | 1:2 | 2:2 |
| Cl | 1:2 | 2:2 |
Check atoms
How to balance it, step by step
- Count the atoms of each element on both sides, as written.
- Start with the biggest formula, ZnCl₂: put 1 in front of it.
- Zn: 1 on the right. Put 1 in front of Zn.
- Cl: 2 on the right. Put 2 in front of HCl.
- H: 2 on the left. Put 1 in front of H₂ (1 × 2 = 2).
- Check: Zn 1 = 1, H 2 = 2, Cl 2 = 2. Balanced.
What happens
It is a displacement reaction: a more reactive element pushes a less reactive one out of its compound. Zinc displaces hydrogen from dilute hydrochloric acid. The gas burns with a pop sound, the test for hydrogen.
Zinc and hydrochloric acid: quick answers
What is the balanced equation for zinc and hydrochloric acid?
Zn(s) + 2 HCl(aq) → ZnCl₂(aq) + H₂(g). The coefficients are 1, 2, 1 and 1. Each side then has 1 Zn, 2 H and 2 Cl.
What type of reaction is zinc and hydrochloric acid?
It is a displacement reaction: a more reactive element pushes a less reactive one out of its compound. Zinc displaces hydrogen from dilute hydrochloric acid. The gas burns with a pop sound, the test for hydrogen.
How do you balance Zn + HCl → ZnCl₂ + H₂?
Start with the biggest formula, ZnCl₂: put 1 in front of it. Zn: 1 on the right. Put 1 in front of Zn. Cl: 2 on the right. Put 2 in front of HCl. H: 2 on the left. Put 1 in front of H₂ (1 × 2 = 2). Never change a subscript, because that would change the substance.