Dilute sulphuric acid reacts with zinc granules to produce zinc sulphate and hydrogen gas


 H2​SO4​(aq)+Zn(s)→ZnSO4​(aq)+H2​(g)

Reaction between Dilute Sulphuric Acid and Zinc Granules


When dilute sulphuric acid reacts with zinc granules, a chemical reaction occurs. This reaction is known as an acid-metal reaction or a single displacement reaction. In this reaction, zinc displaces hydrogen from the sulphuric acid, resulting in the formation of zinc sulphate and hydrogen gas.


The balanced chemical equation for the reaction between dilute sulphuric acid and zinc granules can be represented as follows:
Zn (s) + H2SO4 (aq) → ZnSO4 (aq) + H2 (g)


- The reaction between dilute sulphuric acid and zinc granules starts when zinc granules are added to the dilute sulphuric acid solution.
- The zinc granules react with the hydrogen ions (H+) present in the sulphuric acid.
- The zinc atoms lose two electrons each and are oxidized to form zinc ions (Zn2+). This oxidation process is represented as:
Zn (s) → Zn2+ (aq) + 2e-
- At the same time, the hydrogen ions gain two electrons each and are reduced to form hydrogen gas (H2). This reduction process is represented as:
2H+ (aq) + 2e- → H2 (g)
- The zinc ions combine with the sulphate ions (SO42-) present in the sulphuric acid to form zinc sulphate (ZnSO4). This is an ionic compound that remains dissolved in the solution.
- The overall reaction can be represented as:
Zn (s) + H2SO4 (aq) → ZnSO4 (aq) + H2 (g)


- Effervescence or the evolution of gas bubbles is observed during the reaction.
- The reaction mixture becomes warm due to the exothermic nature of the reaction.
- The zinc granules start to dissolve, and the solution turns cloudy initially due to the formation of zinc sulphate.
- The cloudiness eventually disappears as the zinc sulphate dissolves completely.


In conclusion, when dilute sulphuric acid reacts with zinc granules, zinc sulphate and hydrogen gas are formed. This reaction is a classic example of an acid-metal reaction, where zinc displaces hydrogen from the sulphuric acid. The balanced chemical equation and the reaction process provide a clear understanding of the reaction between dilute sulphuric acid and zinc granules.