Example of Metal Reacting with Base:
Metal reacting with a base is a common chemical reaction that results in the formation of a salt and hydrogen gas. One example of this reaction is the reaction between zinc metal and sodium hydroxide.

Zinc + Sodium Hydroxide
- When zinc metal (Zn) is added to a solution of sodium hydroxide (NaOH), a chemical reaction occurs.
- The zinc metal reacts with the sodium hydroxide to form zinc hydroxide (Zn(OH)2) and hydrogen gas (H2).
- The balanced chemical equation for this reaction is: Zn + 2NaOH -> Zn(OH)2 + H2

Explanation:
- In this reaction, the zinc metal displaces hydrogen from the sodium hydroxide to form zinc hydroxide and hydrogen gas.
- Zinc hydroxide is a salt that is formed when a metal reacts with a base. It is a white solid that is insoluble in water.
- The hydrogen gas produced in this reaction is a byproduct of the displacement reaction between zinc and sodium hydroxide.

Significance:
- The reaction between a metal and a base is an important process in chemistry and is used in various industrial applications.
- Understanding how metals react with bases helps in the synthesis of salts and in the production of hydrogen gas, which has numerous applications in industries such as fuel cells and hydrogen production.
Overall, the reaction between zinc metal and sodium hydroxide is an example of how metals can react with bases to form salts and hydrogen gas. This reaction is a common demonstration of chemical reactivity and is important in various chemical processes.