Select The Correct Answer.Consider This Reaction:$\[ Zn_{(s)} + 2 HCl_{(aq)} \rightarrow ZnCl_{2(aq)} + H_{2(g)}. \\]Which Change Could Decrease The Rate Of Production Of $\[ ZnCl_2 \\]?A. Increasing The $\[ [ HCl ] \\]B.
The given reaction is a single displacement reaction between zinc (Zn) and hydrochloric acid (HCl), resulting in the formation of zinc chloride (ZnCl2) and hydrogen gas (H2). The reaction is as follows:
In this reaction, zinc acts as the reducing agent, and hydrochloric acid acts as the oxidizing agent. The reaction is highly exothermic, releasing a significant amount of heat energy.
Factors Affecting the Rate of Production
The rate of production of ZnCl2 can be influenced by several factors, including the concentration of the reactants, temperature, and surface area of the reactants. In this case, we are interested in determining which change could decrease the rate of production of ZnCl2.
Option A: Increasing the Concentration of HCl
Increasing the concentration of HCl would provide more reactant molecules for the reaction to occur, potentially increasing the rate of production of ZnCl2. This is because the reaction rate is directly proportional to the concentration of the reactants.
Option B: Decreasing the Concentration of HCl
Decreasing the concentration of HCl would reduce the number of reactant molecules available for the reaction, potentially decreasing the rate of production of ZnCl2. This is because the reaction rate is directly proportional to the concentration of the reactants.
Option C: Increasing the Concentration of Zn
Increasing the concentration of Zn would provide more reactant molecules for the reaction to occur, potentially increasing the rate of production of ZnCl2. This is because the reaction rate is directly proportional to the concentration of the reactants.
Option D: Decreasing the Concentration of Zn
Decreasing the concentration of Zn would reduce the number of reactant molecules available for the reaction, potentially decreasing the rate of production of ZnCl2. This is because the reaction rate is directly proportional to the concentration of the reactants.
Conclusion
Based on the analysis of the reaction and the factors affecting the rate of production, the correct answer is:
- Option B: Decreasing the Concentration of HCl
Decreasing the concentration of HCl would reduce the number of reactant molecules available for the reaction, potentially decreasing the rate of production of ZnCl2.
Understanding the Chemistry Behind the Reaction
The reaction between zinc and hydrochloric acid is a single displacement reaction, where zinc displaces hydrogen from hydrochloric acid to form zinc chloride and hydrogen gas. The reaction is highly exothermic, releasing a significant amount of heat energy.
The reaction can be broken down into several steps:
- Adsorption: The reactants, zinc and hydrochloric acid, adsorb onto the surface of the catalyst.
- Activation: The adsorbed reactants are activated, allowing them to form a transition state.
- Reaction: The activated reactants react to form the products, zinc chloride and hydrogen gas.
- Desorption: The products are desorbed from the surface of the catalyst.
Factors Affecting the Rate of Reaction
The rate of reaction can be influenced by several factors, including:
- Concentration of reactants: Increasing the concentration of the reactants can increase the rate of reaction.
- Temperature: Increasing the temperature can increase the rate of reaction.
- Surface area of reactants: Increasing the surface area of the reactants can increase the rate of reaction.
- Catalyst: The presence of a catalyst can increase the rate of reaction.
Conclusion
Q: What is the reaction between zinc and hydrochloric acid?
A: The reaction between zinc and hydrochloric acid is a single displacement reaction, where zinc displaces hydrogen from hydrochloric acid to form zinc chloride and hydrogen gas.
Q: What is the effect of increasing the concentration of HCl on the rate of production of ZnCl2?
A: Increasing the concentration of HCl would provide more reactant molecules for the reaction to occur, potentially increasing the rate of production of ZnCl2.
Q: What is the effect of decreasing the concentration of HCl on the rate of production of ZnCl2?
A: Decreasing the concentration of HCl would reduce the number of reactant molecules available for the reaction, potentially decreasing the rate of production of ZnCl2.
Q: What is the effect of increasing the concentration of Zn on the rate of production of ZnCl2?
A: Increasing the concentration of Zn would provide more reactant molecules for the reaction to occur, potentially increasing the rate of production of ZnCl2.
Q: What is the effect of decreasing the concentration of Zn on the rate of production of ZnCl2?
A: Decreasing the concentration of Zn would reduce the number of reactant molecules available for the reaction, potentially decreasing the rate of production of ZnCl2.
Q: What are the factors that affect the rate of reaction?
A: The rate of reaction can be influenced by several factors, including:
- Concentration of reactants: Increasing the concentration of the reactants can increase the rate of reaction.
- Temperature: Increasing the temperature can increase the rate of reaction.
- Surface area of reactants: Increasing the surface area of the reactants can increase the rate of reaction.
- Catalyst: The presence of a catalyst can increase the rate of reaction.
Q: What is the role of a catalyst in the reaction?
A: A catalyst is a substance that speeds up the reaction without being consumed or altered in the process. In the reaction between zinc and hydrochloric acid, a catalyst can increase the rate of reaction by providing an alternative reaction pathway.
Q: What is the significance of the reaction between zinc and hydrochloric acid?
A: The reaction between zinc and hydrochloric acid is an important example of a single displacement reaction, where one element displaces another element from a compound. This reaction has several practical applications, including the production of zinc chloride and hydrogen gas.
Q: What are the potential applications of the reaction between zinc and hydrochloric acid?
A: The reaction between zinc and hydrochloric acid has several potential applications, including:
- Production of zinc chloride: Zinc chloride is an important chemical used in various industries, including the production of textiles, dyes, and pharmaceuticals.
- Production of hydrogen gas: Hydrogen gas is an important fuel used in various applications, including the production of electricity and the propulsion of vehicles.
- Catalytic reactions: The reaction between zinc and hydrochloric acid can be used as a catalyst for other reactions, including the production of chemicals and fuels.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the reaction between zinc and hydrochloric acid is an important example of a single displacement reaction, where one element displaces another element from a compound. The rate of production of ZnCl2 can be influenced by several factors, including the concentration of the reactants, temperature, and surface area of the reactants. A catalyst can increase the rate of reaction by providing an alternative reaction pathway. The reaction has several potential applications, including the production of zinc chloride and hydrogen gas.