Chemistry: dissolving aluminum metal in hydrochloric acid

AI Thread Summary
Aluminum metal reacts with hydrochloric acid, and the balanced reaction is 2Al + 6HCl → 2AlCl3 + 3H2. To determine the volume of 1.58 M HCl needed to dissolve 3.200 g of aluminum, first convert the mass of aluminum to moles using its molar mass. Then, apply stoichiometry to find the corresponding moles of HCl required based on the reaction ratio. Finally, use the concentration of HCl to calculate the volume needed. The discussion emphasizes a straightforward approach suitable for entry-level chemistry.
Madelin Pierce
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Homework Statement


Aluminum metal dissolves in hydrochloric acid. What volume, in mL, of 1.58 M HCl is needed to completely dissolve 3.200 g of aluminum?(Hint: write the single-replacement reaction first)

Homework Equations


V[1]M[1]=V[2]M[2]

The Attempt at a Solution


I got the single-replacement reaction:
2Al(s) + 6HCl(aq) = 2AlCl[3](aq) + 3H[2](g)
But from there, I'm not really sure what to do. I think stoichiometry's involved, but I'm not sure how to use it.
 
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If you have
Madelin Pierce said:
2Al(s) + 6HCl(aq) = 2AlCl[3](aq) + 3H[2](g)
you have the stoechiometry ! My guess is that it's time to convert mol(ecul)es to mass :rolleyes:
 
BvU said:
My guess is that it's time to convert mol(ecul)es to mass

I would rather convert mass to moles :wink:
 
Sure, and perhaps you can explain to the audience why this is a better idea (generally or in this sspecific case) ?
 
Stepwise path to find the volume of HCl,

Find moles of Aluminum (need formula weight of Aluminum)
Find moles of HCl (use ratio according to reaction)
Find volume of HCl solution of 1.58 M (concentration computation)
 
Am I correct in remembering that you may need to add a near-catalytic amount of copper chloride to accelerate breakdown of surface passivation ?

Or was this just for 'Activated Zinc' ??
 
Nik_2213 said:
Am I correct in remembering that you may need to add a near-catalytic amount of copper chloride to accelerate breakdown of surface passivation ?

Or was this just for 'Activated Zinc' ??
Not in range. O.P. wants entry level course help, like for a beginning course. I am not saying that some kind of catalyst is not needed, but just that the idea is not in the range of the person's study.
 
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