Explain why Zn is released and write the general equation.

AI Thread Summary
When clean zinc (Zn) is placed in hydrochloric acid (HCl), no immediate reaction occurs due to the lack of surface impurities. The addition of copper sulfate (CuSO4) introduces copper ions that facilitate the reaction, leading to the release of hydrogen gas (H2). The general reaction can be expressed as Zn + 2HCl → ZnCl2 + H2, but the presence of copper ions accelerates the process. The initial inactivity is attributed to the purity of the zinc, which slows the reaction with H+. The presence of copper ions on the zinc surface enhances the reaction rate by providing a catalytic effect.
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Homework Statement


We throw clean Zn in a HCl solution and see that nothing happens. We add 2-3 drops CuSO4 and some kind of gas starts to release. Why dos this happen? Write the equation

Homework Equations


Zn+HCl->ZnCl2+H2

The Attempt at a Solution


I know that equation and also:
Zn+CuSo4->ZnSo4+Cu
But why doesn't H2 release in the first experiment? Maybe because it is too clean. COuld you also hep me with the general equation?
 
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Zn reacts from the very beginning, just slowly. Traces of copper reduced on the Zn surface speed up the reaction between Zn and H+.
 
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