To carry out the Reaction of Zinc with dilute sulphuric acid and classify it as physical or chemical changes
Aim
To carry out the Reaction of Zinc with dilute sulphuric acid and classify it as physical or chemical changesTheory
Physical Change: These changes can be observed and take place without changing the composition of substances. There are no changes in chemical nature of substance. The changes which can be observed are like change in colour, boiling point, melting point, hardness, density, fluidity, rigidity etc. The interconversion of states of matter is also a physical change.
Chemical change: In this change, chemical reaction takes place and completely a new substance with different properties is formed. There are changes in chemical properties and composition of substance.
ex: 2Mg(s) + O2(g) → 2MgO(s)
Here, the chemical composition and properties of product MgO is totally different from its reactants Mg and O.
Chemicals Required
Zinc Granules, Dilute Sulphuric Acid
Apparatus Required
Big hard Glass Test Tube, Jet Delivery Tube, Stand with Clamp, Cork, Match Stick
Procedure
Step 2: Few pieces of zinc is put in the test tube.
Step 3: Some dilute sulphuric acid is poured in it so that the zinc pieces get immersed in the acid. Step 4: Immediately a cork is fixed, having delivery tube with a fine jet, on the mouth of the test tube. Step 5: A burning matchstick is brought near the mouth of the fine jet.
Observation
1. After adding dil. H2SO4 in the tube a brisk reaction starts and gas bubbles come out.
2. On bringing the flame, the gas coming out of the jet burns instantaneously with a small explosion or pop up sound which shows the presence of hydrogen gas.
Inference
1. The gas produced in the reaction is hydrogen. Zinc reacts with dilute sulphuric acid to produce hydrogen gas (H2) and zinc sulphate.
Zn(s) + H2SO4(g) → ZnSO4(s)
(Zinc) (dil. sulphuric acid) (Zinc Sulphate) (Hydrogen gas)
This is an example of displacement reaction of a non-metal by a metal.
2. Zinc is more reactive than hydrogen.
4.ZnSO4 is different in chemical composition and chemical properties than Zn and H2SO4 so it is a chemical change.
Precautions
1. Use the chemicals judiciously.
2. Do not inhale gases evolved directly.
3. Hydrogen gas instantaneously burns with mild explosion. Therefore, a fine jet tube should be used to see the burning of hydrogen.
4. Handle acids and alkalies carefully.
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