EXP3

EXPERIMENT NO.
3
REACTION OF ZINC WITH ACID PRODUCING SALTS
COURSE DESCRIPTION
A 1-unit laboratory course that deals with the different experiments of mechanisms by
which corrosion and wear occur under different conditions. It also covers different types of
testing; destructive and nondestructive methods of failure analysis. At the end of this course,
the student must be able to conduct experiments that will test the mode of failure of materials
and degradation by corrosion. Co-requisite: EMat 113 – Degradation of Materials (lecture).
Targeted Course Outcomes:
1. Discuss through group discussion the results and the significance of each activity.
2. Develop the laboratory skills by performing the activity and familiarizing the function
of the equipment.
I. INTRODUCTION
Acids react with most metals and, when they do, a salt is produced. But unlike the
reaction between acids and bases, we do not get water. Instead we get hydrogen gas. This is
the general word equation for the reaction:
METAL + ACID  SALT + HYDROGEN
For example, M (metal) reacts with hydrochloric acid to produce metal chloride:
 M + hydrochloric acid → metal chloride + hydrogen
M + 2HCl → MCl2 + H2
It doesn't matter which metal or which acid is used, if there is a reaction we always get
hydrogen gas as well as the salt. However, how quickly the reaction goes depends on the metal
used and how high up in the reactivity series it is.
II. OBJECTIVES
The objectives of this activity are to observe the reaction between the sulfuric acid and
zinc and identify the gaseous product of the reaction.
III. MATERIALS/APPARATUS
Zinc metal, 5 g spatula

Sulfuric acid, 0.5 M filter funnel
Graduated cylinder filter paper
Beaker pipeclay triangle
Bunsen burner goggles
Tripod
Glass rod
Petri dish/watch glass
Conical flask
Evaporating basin
IV. PROCEDURE
1. Measure 50 cm3 of dilute sulfuric acid using a measuring cylinder and pour it into the
beaker. Warm this acid gently over a low, non-smokey, Bunsen flame. Turn off the Bunsen
burner before the solution boils. Carefully remove the beaker of acid from the tripod as
instructed by your teacher, and stand it on the heat resistant mat. Be very careful not to knock
the tripod while the beaker is on it.
2. To this hot acid, add about half the zinc pieces provided. Avoid inhaling the acidic fumes
that may rise from the beaker as a result of the vigorous bubbling.
3. If all the zinc reacts, add two more pieces and stir with the glass rod. Add more zinc
until no more bubbles form. The acid is now used up.
4. Filter the warm solution into the conical flask to remove the excess zinc. Transfer the
filtrate into an evaporating basin.
5. Place the evaporating basin on a pipeclay triangle or gauze on a tripod and gently boil
the solution over a low Bunsen flame. Be very careful not to knock the tripod supporting the
basin. When the volume has been reduced by about half, dip a glass rod in the solution and
then hold it up to cool. If small crystals form on the glass rod, stop heating, otherwise continue
until that point is reached. Do not continue to heat beyond the point when crystals start to
appear on the top edge of the solution.
6. Pour the remaining hot solution into a crystallising dish as instructed by your teacher.
Label the dish and leave until the next lesson to crystallise. The crystals can then be examined
using a hand lens or microscope.
V. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
ILLUSTRATION OF THE DEPOSITED SALT
1. Write the chemical equation of the reaction.

Zn + H2SO4 → ZnSO4 + H2
2. Discuss how acid reacts with metal? Show chemical equation if possible.
 When the metal (zinc) was put in the sulfuric acid, it reacts and produces hydrogen.
Bubbles of hydrogen gas can be seen as the reaction continues.
Zn + H2SO4 → ZnSO4 + H2
3. Name the type of salt produced in this activity. What are its properties? Name at least
three (3) functions of the salt.
 Unfortunately, no salt was produced during the activity. Supposedly, zinc sulfate should
be produced. Zinc Sulfate is a white powder with no odor. Zinc Sulfate, while soluble in
water, is not flammable. It emits harmful zinc oxide and sulfur oxide fumes during
breakdown. It is extensively used in the prevention and treatment of zinc deficiency.
Zinc sulfate is a dietary supplement used in medicine.
a) It is specifically used to treat zinc deficiency and to prevent it in people who are
at high risk.
b) It is also employed as an electrolyte for electroplating zinc, a dye mordant, and a
preservative for skin and leather.
c) Animal feed, fertilizers, toothpaste, and agricultural sprays all include zinc
sulfate.
VI. RUBRIC
Poor (60-70) Unsatisfactory Developing Satisfactory
(71-80) (81-90) (91-100)
Contributions to Often refuses Rarely provides A member A member who

the class to participate useful ideas who does what contributes a
in group is required lot of effort
activity
Quality of Work Provides Work is of Work that Work is of the

unfinished poorest quality needs to be highest quality
work redone
Teamwork Does not get Rarely listens to Sometimes Always listens

along with others and tries listens to the to teammates
teammates to make sure idea of others and tries to
his/her own and sometimes make sure the
ideas are always tries to get team is on the
followed instead everyone right track
moving in the
same direction

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EXPERIMENT NO.

Targeted Course Outcomes:

METAL + ACID  SALT + HYDROGEN

 M + hydrochloric acid → metal chloride + hydrogen

Zinc metal, 5 g spatula

ILLUSTRATION OF THE DEPOSITED SALT

1. Write the chemical equation of the reaction.

Contributions to Often refuses Rarely provides A member A member who

Quality of Work Provides Work is of Work that Work is of the

Teamwork Does not get Rarely listens to Sometimes Always listens

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