Question

What happens when an acid reacts with a metal? What happens when an acid reacts with a base? Describe the general reaction and give an example with products.

Answer 1

(1.) Acid reaction with metal

When an acid reacts with metal, hydrogen gas is released and soluble metallic salt is formed

General reaction : M + H-A M-A + H₂

here M is the metal

H-A is the acid

M-A is the soluble salt of metal

Example : Mg (s) + 2 HCl (aq) MgCl₂ (aq) + H₂ (g)

Magnesium metal reacts with aqueous hydrochloric acid to form magnesium chloride and hydrogen

(2.) Acid reaction with base

When an acid reacts with base, neutralization reaction takes place in which a neutral salt is formed and water molecules are formed

General reaction : H-A + B-OH A-B + H₂O

here H-A is the acid

B-OH is the base

A-B is the neutral soluble salt

H₂O is water

Example : HCl (aq) + NaOH (aq) NaCl (aq) + H₂O (l)

Aqueous hydrochloric acid reacts with aqueous sodium hydroxide to form neutral salt sodium chloride and water