Identify the product formed when copper metal is exposed to dilute hydrochloric acid.

Question

Examoogle · Accepted Answer

The correct answer is Option C: No reaction. Copper does not react with dilute hydrochloric acid ($HCl$) because it is a less reactive metal than hydrogen. In the reactivity series of metals, only those positioned above hydrogen can displace it from dilute acids.

Step-by-Step Solution & Concepts:
Copper does not react with dilute hydrochloric acid ($HCl$) because it is a less reactive metal than hydrogen. In the reactivity series of metals, only those positioned above hydrogen can displace it from dilute acids.

Working Principle: The reactivity of a metal towards acids is determined by its position in the electrochemical series. Metals above hydrogen possess a positive electrode potential difference sufficient to donate electrons to $H^+$ ions, forming $H_2$ gas. Since Copper ($Cu$) has a standard reduction potential ($E^0_{Cu^{2+}/Cu} = +0.34 	ext{ V}$) which is greater than that of Hydrogen ($0.00 	ext{ V}$), it cannot reduce hydrogen ions, thus no displacement reaction occurs.

Key Formulas: $Cu + HCl ightarrow 	ext{No Reaction}$ — The failure of copper to displace hydrogen.; $E^0_{cell} = E^0_{cathode} - E^0_{anode}$ — The thermodynamic basis for predicting spontaneous reactions.

Key Points: Metals above hydrogen in the reactivity series displace $H_2$ from dilute acids.; Copper is a noble metal in the context of acid reactivity and is situated below hydrogen.; Dilute $HCl$ is a non-oxidizing acid, meaning it cannot oxidize copper to $Cu^{2+}$ ions.

Applications: Use of copper pipes in plumbing for dilute acid environments; Understanding the corrosion resistance of copper

Additional Info: Copper can only react with concentrated nitric acid ($HNO_3$) or sulfuric acid ($H_2SO_4$) because they act as strong oxidizing agents, not because of hydrogen displacement.. Option A and B are incorrect because no chemical reaction occurs, hence no products are formed. Option D is incorrect as no salt is produced.

Answer: C is correct — Copper is less reactive than hydrogen and cannot displace it from dilute hydrochloric acid.

Exam Tip: Always check the metal's position relative to hydrogen in the activity series before assuming a reaction with a dilute acid will occur.

Examoogle · Answer

Option A: Salt and chlorine gas

Examoogle · Answer

Option B: Salt and hydrogen gas

Examoogle · Answer

Option D: Only Salt

Correct Answer

Solve 10,000+ More Questions with AI Tutor

Discussion (0)

Correct Answer

Solve 10,000+ More Questions with AI Tutor

Related Questions

Discussion (0)