Practicing Success
What happens when dilute hydrochloric acid is added to iron fillings? |
Hydrogen gas and iron chloride are produced. Chlorine gas and iron hydroxide are produced. No reaction takes place. Iron salt and water are produced. |
Hydrogen gas and iron chloride are produced. |
The correct answer is option 1. Hydrogen gas and iron chloride are produced. When dilute hydrochloric acid \((HCl)\) is added to iron fillings \((Fe)\), a chemical reaction occurs. This reaction is a classic example of a single displacement reaction, where one element displaces another in a compound. The reaction can be represented by the following equation: \[ \text{Fe (s)} + 2HCl (aq) \rightarrow FeCl_2 (aq) + H_2 (g) \] In this reaction: Iron \((Fe)\) reacts with hydrochloric acid \((HCl)\). The iron displaces the hydrogen in the hydrochloric acid to form iron chloride \((FeCl_2)\) and hydrogen gas \((H_2)\). Iron chloride is a soluble compound that remains in the solution. Hydrogen gas is released as a product and can be observed as bubbles. So, the overall result of adding dilute hydrochloric acid to iron fillings is the production of hydrogen gas and iron chloride. |