Graphite and HCl.... why do they not react?

[RoboNerd]

Homework Statement

Graphite does not react with HCl as I saw in a previous lab.

However, I looked at activity series on google and they all have carbon as more reactive than hydrogen, so theoretically graphite should react with HCl. However, this is not the case.

Homework Equations

No equations. Just plain logic, common sense, and a bit of intuition.

The Attempt at a Solution

I attempted to figure this out by googling all over, but I am still confused. Could anyone please help clarify why graphite and HCl do not react?

Thanks!

 

[Bystander]

They do react, it's just that the reaction is not kinetically favored.

 

[RoboNerd]

Aha! That explains it! Thanks a lot!