Reactions of Acids with Metals

This lesson covers the reactions between acids and metals for Edexcel GCSE Chemistry (1CH0). You need to know the general equation, be able to write word and balanced symbol equations, describe observations, test for hydrogen gas, and explain why some metals do not react with acids.

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General Equation

When a metal reacts with an acid, the products are a salt and hydrogen gas:

acid + metal → salt + hydrogen

The metal atoms lose electrons to form positive metal ions (this is oxidation), and the hydrogen ions from the acid gain electrons to form hydrogen gas (this is reduction).

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Naming the Salt

The name of the salt produced depends on:

1. The metal used (gives the first part of the salt name)
2. The acid used (gives the second part)

Acid	Salt Type	Example Reaction	Salt Produced
Hydrochloric acid (HCl)	Chloride	Mg + HCl	Magnesium chloride
Sulfuric acid (H₂SO₄)	Sulfate	Zn + H₂SO₄	Zinc sulfate
Nitric acid (HNO₃)	Nitrate	Fe + HNO₃	Iron nitrate

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