SUMMARY
Zinc (Zn) reacts with both acetic acid (CH3COOH) and phosphoric acid (H3PO4), resulting in the liberation of hydrogen gas. The standard electrode potential for zinc is -0.763 V, indicating that zinc is oxidized while hydrogen ions are reduced during these reactions. The balanced chemical equations for these reactions are Zn + 2CH3COOH --> H2 + Zn(CH3COO)2 for acetic acid and 3Zn + 2H3PO4 --> 3H2 + Zn3(PO4)2 for phosphoric acid. The rate of reaction is influenced by the concentration and pH of the acids involved.
PREREQUISITES
- Understanding of standard electrode potentials
- Familiarity with chemical reaction balancing
- Knowledge of acid-base reactions
- Basic chemistry terminology, including oxidation and reduction
NEXT STEPS
- Study the principles of electrochemistry and standard electrode potentials
- Learn how to balance complex chemical equations
- Research the properties and reactions of acetic and phosphoric acids
- Explore the applications of zinc in various chemical reactions
USEFUL FOR
Chemistry students, educators, and professionals interested in reaction mechanisms involving metals and acids, particularly those focusing on zinc's reactivity.