Question

Zn + H2SO4 = ?

Answer 1

Well, the balanced equation is...`Zn(s) + H_2SO_4(aq) rarr ZnSO_4(aq) + H_2(g)`

Explanation:

As written, this is a redox reaction: zinc metal is oxidized; hydrogen ion is REDUCED. Sulfuric acid is not a particularly oxidizing acid; the reaction would be MUCH more rapid with hydrochloric acid, which follows the same stoichiometry...

`Zn(s) + 2HCl(aq) rarr ZnCl_2(aq) +H_2(g)uarr`...

...addition of a bit of copper salt to the former reaction, would speed it up.