Reactions of Metals and Hydrochloric Acid
Description: Samples of different metals (Fe, Zn, Mg) are immersed in conc HCL. The temperature rise is measured and observed to be different in each case; gas evolution is observed.
Source: Shakhashiri, B.Z. Chemical Demonstrations: A Handbook for Teachers of Chemistry
Year: 1983 Vol: 1 Page: 25
Keywords: Iron, Exothermic, Hydrochloric Acid, Zinc
Rating: 
Hazard: Medium
- Skin corrosion hazard
- Flammability hazard
- Acute toxicity hazard
- Inhalation hazard
- Respiratory hazard
- Aquatic toxicity hazard
- Serious eye damage hazard
- Electric shock hazard
- Corrosive to metals
Effectiveness: Good
- Observations are perceivable with guidance
- Secondary observations
- Good connection from demo to course material
- Mild effects are seen by audience
- Time to results is medium
- High reliability
Difficulty: Medium
- Some intermediate steps to results
- Some sequential manipulations
- Production of flammable gases
- Production of toxic gases
- Demonstrations in which displays are used
Safety Precautions:
- Eye protection required
- Gloves required
- Lab coat recommended
- Perform in a well-ventilated area
- Use of chemically resistant surface
- Absorbent material on hand
- Avoid exposures to gas, mists, or vapors
- Avoid open flame
- ABC fire extinguisher on hand
- Sodium bicarbonate on hand
- Prevent release of reagents to the environment
Class: Thermochemistry, Transition Metal Chemistry,
Division: General, Inorganic Chemistry
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