Which of these metals Mg, Fe, Pb and Cu will dissolve readily in dilute HCl?
Source: JAMB · 2024
Which of these metals Mg, Fe, Pb and Cu will dissolve readily in dilute HCl?
Explanation
Metals above hydrogen in the reactivity series displace hydrogen from dilute acid. Magnesium and iron are above hydrogen, so they dissolve readily in dilute HCl, giving H₂ gas.
Copper is below hydrogen and does not react. Lead is slightly above hydrogen, but it forms insoluble lead (II) chloride, which coats the metal and stops the reaction. So lead does not dissolve readily.
The answer is Mg and Fe only.
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