Zinc and Acids

Soaring Crane · Sep 24, 2005

Does zinc react with both acetic acid (CH3COOH) and phosphoric acid (H3PO4)? I can't figure out the chemical equations for them and am wondering if no reactions occur.

Thanks.

Astronuc · Sep 24, 2005

Dropping a piece of Zn metal into an acid will cause the liberation of hydrogen.

The standard electrode (reduction) potential E^o of Zn, i.e.

Zn²⁺ + 2 e^- --> Zn is -0.763 V

whereas the potential for hydrogen, the reference is 0.

2 H⁺ + 2 e^- --> H₂ ,

so zinc will be oxidized and H will be reduced, and the rate will be determined by the strength or concentration (pH) of the acid and the dissolution of the Zn.

Soaring Crane · Sep 24, 2005

Since I'm on the subject of zinc, did I balance/write these chemical equations properly?

Zn + 2AgNO3 --> 2Ag + Zn(NO3)2 (zinc with silver nitrate)

Zn + Cu(NO3)2 --> Cu + Zn(NO3)2 (zinc with copper nitrate)

Thanks.

Cesium · Sep 24, 2005

Looks fine.

Soaring Crane · Sep 25, 2005

Are these chemical equations even remotely correct?

(zinc with acetic acid) Zn + 2CH3CO2H --> H2 + Zn(C2H3O2)2

(zinc with phosphoric acid) 3Zn + 2H3PO4 --> 3H2 + Zn3(PO4)2

Thanks.

Soaring Crane · Sep 26, 2005

Any volunteers?

Thanks.

Borek · Sep 26, 2005

Looks OK, although I would write Zn(CH3CO2)2 to be consistent on both sides of equation.

Log in or Sign up

Zinc and Acids

Soaring Crane

Astronuc

Soaring Crane

Cesium

Soaring Crane

Soaring Crane

Borek

Staff: Mentor