Reactions of acids with metals

• Only metals?above hydrogen?in the reactivity series will react with dilute acids
• The more reactive the metal then the more vigorous the reaction will be
• Metals that are placed high on the reactivity series such as potassium and sodium are very dangerous and react?explosively?with acids
• When acids react with metals they form a?salt?and?hydrogen gas:
• The general equation is:

metal + acid ? salt + hydrogen

• Some examples of metal-acid reactions and their equations are given below:

Acid-Metals Reactions Table

• In general, we can summarise the reaction of a metal that forms a +2 ion as follows:

Acids-Metals Summary Table

Reaction of acids with bases

• When an acid reacts with a base, a?neutralisation?reaction occurs
• In all acid-base neutralisation reactions, a?salt?and?water?are produced:

acid + base ? salt + water

• The identity of the salt produced depends on the?acid?used and the?positive ions?in the base
• Hydrochloric acid produces?chlorides, sulfuric acid produces?sulfate?salts and nitric acid produces?nitrates
• Metal?oxides and metal?hydroxides?act as?bases
• The following are some specific examples of reactions? between acids and metal oxides / hydroxides:

2HCl + CuO ? CuCl₂?+ H₂O

H₂SO₄?+ 2NaOH ? Na₂SO₄?+ 2H₂O

HNO₃?+ KOH ? KNO₃?+ H₂O

• In general, we can summarise the reaction of metals and bases as follows:

Acids and Metals Oxides or Hydroxides Summary Table

Reactions of Acids with Metal Carbonates

• Acids will react with metal carbonates to form the corresponding metal?salt,?carbon?dioxide?and?water
• These reactions are easily distinguishable from acid – metal oxide/hydroxide reactions due to the presence of?effervescence?caused by the carbon dioxide gas

Acids & Metal Carbonates Reactions Table

• The following are some specific examples of reactions? between acids and metal carbonates:

2HCl + Na₂CO₃?? 2NaCl?+ H₂O + CO₂

H₂SO₄?+ CaCO₃? CaSO₄?+ H₂O + CO₂