AQA GCSE Chemistry

Revision Notes

4.2.1 Reactions of Acids with Metals

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Reactions of Acids with Metals

  • Only metals above hydrogen in the reactivity series will react with dilute acids.
  • The more reactive the metal then the more vigorous the reaction will be.
  • Metals that are placed high on the reactivity series such as potassium and sodium are very dangerous and react explosively with acids.
  • When acids react with metals they form a salt and hydrogen gas:
  • The general equation is:

metal + acid ⟶ salt + hydrogen

  • Some examples of metal-acid reactions and their equations are given below:

Acid-Metal Reactions Table 

Acids and Metals Examples Table, downloadable IGCSE & GCSE Chemistry revision notes

Exam Tip

Sulfuric acid reacts with metals and produces sulfate salts while hydrochloric acid produces chloride salts.

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