What Happens When A Dilute Acid Reacts With A Metal?

When a metal reacts with dilute acid, salts are formed. During this reaction hydrogen gas is evolved. In other words, when a metal is added to dilute acids, salt and hydrogen gas are formed. Sulfate salts and chloride salts are formed when metals react with dilute sulfuric acid and hydrochloric acid. Some metals reacts vigorously with dilute sulfuric acid or hydrochloric acid for example, potassium, sodium, lithium and calcium.

2Na + 2HCl ------ > 2NaCl + H₂

Magnesium, zinc, iron, tin, lead and aluminum react normally with dilute acids. For example,

Mg + H₂SO₄ ------ > MgSO4 + H₂

A salt is formed, in the reaction hydrogen gas is produced