Reactions of acids and metals

• Only metals above hydrogen in the reactivity series will react with dilute acids
• • When acids react with metals they form a salt and hydrogen gas:
  • The general equation is:

  metal + acid ⟶ salt + hydrogen
• • The more reactive the metal then the more vigorous the reaction will be
  • Metals that are placed high on the reactivity series such as potassium and sodium are very dangerous and react explosively with acids
• Sulfuric acid reacts with metals and produces sulfate salts while hydrochloric acid produces chloride salts.
• Remember metal atoms tend to lose electrons and in redox reactions are usually the species that undergoes oxidation.
• • Metal-acid reactions are redox reactions
  • Redox means reduction and oxidation at the same time