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Chemistry Forums for Students => High School Chemistry Forum => Topic started by: delicate_tears on September 13, 2008, 09:18:14 AM

Title: Zinc dissolve in hydrochloric acid & nitric acid
Post by: delicate_tears on September 13, 2008, 09:18:14 AM
Why does zinc dissolve in hydrochloric acid faster than if it's in nitric acid?

It is related to the transfer of electrons? Thanks heaps in advance =D.
Title: Re: Zinc dissolve in hydrochloric acid & nitric acid
Post by: dabaichi on September 13, 2008, 07:41:20 PM
Logically thinking, zinc metal would release 2 electrons when it is in contact with HCl solution and HNO3 solution. Because Cl is more electronegative than NO3, Cl tends to react more violently when it feels the two electrons. Another explanation is that Cl is more easily reduced than NO3. This results in a faster rate of dissolving the zinc metal.
Title: Re: Zinc dissolve in hydrochloric acid & nitric acid
Post by: Borek on September 13, 2008, 07:45:52 PM
Quote from: dabaichi on September 13, 2008, 07:41:20 PM
Because Cl is more electronegative than NO3, Cl tends to react more violently when it feels the two electrons. Another explanation is that Cl is more easily reduced than NO3. This results in a faster rate of dissolving the zinc metal.

Care to elaborate? Both Cl- and NO3- are generally spectators here and they don't react with zinc, it is H+ that acts as an oxidizer.
Title: Re: Zinc dissolve in hydrochloric acid & nitric acid
Post by: Guitarmaniac86 on September 14, 2008, 07:49:34 AM
Quote from: delicate_tears on September 13, 2008, 09:18:14 AM
Why does zinc dissolve in hydrochloric acid faster than if it's in nitric acid?

It is related to the transfer of electrons? Thanks heaps in advance =D.

Think about acid base equilibria.

Which one of the two dissociates more readily and why? There you will find your answer.