Final answer:
In the presence of acid, the species that reacts with the acid is 2OH-(aq), as acids and bases react to neutralize each other, forming water and a salt. Specifically, solid zinc reacts with acids like HCl to produce zinc chloride and hydrogen gas, involving oxidation of zinc and reduction of hydrogen.
Step-by-step explanation:
When acid is added to the system where zinc (Zn) is present, the species that reacts with the acid is 2OH-(aq). This is because acids react with bases to produce a salt compound and water, a process known as neutralization. The OH- ions in the solution will react with the added acid to form water and reduce the concentration of hydroxide ions in the solution, thereby neutralizing the acid.
For example, the reaction of solid zinc with hydrochloric acid (HCl) can be represented as follows:
Zn(s) + 2 HCl(aq) → ZnCl2 (aq) + H2(g)
In this reaction, the zinc metal is oxidized to Zn2+ ions and the acid, H+, is reduced to hydrogen gas, H2(g), so there is a transfer of electrons from zinc to hydrogen atoms.