Final answer:
The molecular equation for the reaction between hydrogen iodide (HI) and zinc (Zn) is 2HI + Zn → ZnI2 + H2, which corresponds to option a).The correct option is a.
Step-by-step explanation:
The molecular equation for the reaction between hydrogen iodide (HI) and zinc (Zn) is represented by option a), which is 2HI + Zn → ZnI2 + H2.
It indicates that two moles of hydrogen iodide react with one mole of zinc to produce one mole of zinc iodide and one mole of hydrogen gas. This reaction is a typical single-displacement reaction, where zinc displaces hydrogen from the iodide.
Breaking down the reaction step-by-step:
- Hydrogen iodide provides the iodide ion (I−).
- Zinc (Zn) is a metal that can replace the hydrogen (H+) in the compound.
- Two molecules of hydrogen iodide (HI) provide two iodide ions, enough to pair with zinc (Zn) and form zinc iodide (ZnI2).
- The displaced hydrogen atoms combine to form hydrogen gas (H2). The correct option is a.