Final answer:
The reaction Zn (s) + H₂SO₄ (aq) → ZnSO₄ (aq) + H₂ (g) is a single displacement and redox reaction where zinc displaces hydrogen from sulfuric acid to form zinc sulfate and hydrogen gas.
Step-by-step explanation:
The reaction represented by Zn (s) + H₂SO₄ (aq) → ZnSO₄ (aq) + H₂ (g) is a type of single displacement reaction in chemistry where zinc (Zn) displaces hydrogen from sulfuric acid (H₂SO₄). This displacement leads to the formation of zinc sulfate (ZnSO₄), which is an aqueous salt, and hydrogen gas (H₂). This type of reaction can also be considered a redox reaction, where zinc is oxidized from its elemental state to a positive divalent cation (Zn²⁺) and hydrogen ions (H⁺) are reduced to hydrogen gas (H₂).
In the redox half-reaction, zinc is oxidized by releasing two electrons:
Zn (s) → Zn²⁺ (aq) + 2e⁻,
while hydrogen ions gain electrons to form hydrogen gas:
2H⁺ (aq) + 2e⁻ → H₂ (g).
This process is typical of acid-metal reactions, and the product of the reaction is a salt (ZnSO₄) and hydrogen gas.