Final answer:
The correct chemical equation for the reaction between aluminum and hydrochloric acid is 2Al + 6HCl -> 2AlCl₃ + 3H₂, which represents a single replacement reaction.
Step-by-step explanation:
The chemical equation for the reaction between aluminum and hydrochloric acid to produce aluminum chloride and hydrogen gas is:
2Al + 6HCl -> 2AlCl₃ + 3H₂
This is a single replacement reaction where aluminum (Al) displaces the hydrogen (H) in hydrochloric acid (HCl). The balanced chemical equation is important because it shows the stoichiometry of the reactants and products, indicating that two moles of aluminum react with six moles of hydrochloric acid to produce two moles of aluminum chloride and three moles of hydrogen gas.