Gas produced on addition of dilute sulphuric acid on powdered zinc:

When dilute sulphuric acid is added to powdered zinc, a chemical reaction takes place which produces gas. The gas produced is hydrogen gas (H2). The chemical equation for this reaction is:

Zn + H2SO4 → ZnSO4 + H2

Explanation:

- Zinc (Zn) is a metal and reacts with dilute sulphuric acid (H2SO4) to form zinc sulphate (ZnSO4) and hydrogen gas (H2).
- The reaction is an example of a single displacement reaction in which a more reactive metal (zinc) displaces a less reactive metal (hydrogen) from the acid.
- The gas produced is hydrogen gas which is a colourless, odourless and highly flammable gas.
- The reaction is exothermic and produces heat.
- The gas can be collected by the displacement of water method or by using a gas syringe.
- The gas is tested by using a burning splint. When a burning splint is brought near the gas, it produces a pop sound which indicates the presence of hydrogen gas.

Conclusion:

On addition of dilute sulphuric acid on powdered zinc, the gas produced is hydrogen gas (H2). This reaction is an example of a single displacement reaction in which a more reactive metal displaces a less reactive metal from the acid. The gas produced is colourless, odourless and highly flammable. It is tested by using a burning splint which produces a pop sound.