Objective
Examine the reactivity of different metals with hydrochloric acid and measure the rate of hydrogen gas evolution.
Materials
- Hydrochloric acid (HCl)
- Small pieces of various metals (e.g., zinc, magnesium, iron, copper)
- Test tubes
- Test tube rack
- Balloon or gas collection apparatus
- Notebook for observations
Instructions
- Add a small piece of metal to each test tube.
- Pour hydrochloric acid into the test tube until the metal is fully submerged.
- Cover the test tube with a balloon or gas collection apparatus to capture the hydrogen gas produced.
- Observe the reaction and measure the time it takes for the balloon to inflate or for a set volume of gas to be collected.
- Record the rate and intensity of the reaction for each metal in the notebook.
- Compare the reactivity of different metals with hydrochloric acid.
- Analyze the results to understand the reactivity series of metals.