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Chemistry

Give reasons for the following:

The gaseous product obtained differs when zinc reacts with dilute and with conc. H2SO4 respectively.

Sulphuric Acid

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Answer

Concentrated Sulphuric acid is a strong oxidising agent because on thermal decomposition it yields nascent oxygen which helps in oxidation. Hence, when zinc reacts with conc. H2SO4, Zn is oxidized to ZnSO4 and sulphur dioxide gas is evolved along with hydrogen gas.

Zn + 2H2SO4 (conc.) ⟶ ZnSO4 + 2H2 + 2SO2

Dilute Sulphuric acid on the other hand behaves as a typical acid. Hence, when zinc reacts with dil. H2SO4, displacement reaction takes place, ZnSO4 is formed and hydrogen gas is evolved.

Zn + H2SO4 (dil.) ⟶ ZnSO4 + H2

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