The reaction
is an oxidation-reduction reaction, involving the oxidation of zinc to Zn²⁺ and the reduction of hydrogen ions to H₂. The production of heat indicates the release of energy during the reaction.
The correct description for the reaction is:
It is an oxidation-reduction reaction because zinc is oxidized, and hydrogen is reduced.
In the given reaction
, zinc (Zn) is oxidized from its elemental state (Zn(s)) to Zn²⁺ in the compound ZnCl₂. At the same time, hydrogen ions (H⁺) in HCl are reduced to form molecular hydrogen gas (H₂). Oxidation and reduction reactions are characteristic of redox (oxidation-reduction) reactions.
The probable question may be:
Zn(s) + 2 HCl(aq)→ZnCl₂(aq) + H₂(g)
When the reaction represented above proceeds, heat is produced. Which of the following best describes the reaction?
answer choices
It is a combustion reaction because heat is produced by the reaction.
It is a double replacement reaction because 2Cl atoms are added to Zn.
It is an oxidation-reduction reaction because zinc is oxidized and hydrogen is reduced.
It is an acid-base reaction because HCl is an acid that is capable of exchanging H⁺.