Experiment 3: Single Displacement

Examining the relative reactivity of Hydrochloric Acid with Zinc, Magnesium, and Aluminum.
I. Objectives
The aim is to explore and contrast the reactivity levels of hydrochloric acid with
aluminum, zinc, and magnesium, as well as to measure their respective reaction rates.

II.

Materials
III. 3x Test tube
Hydrochloric Acid
Procedure
Piece of Zinc
1. Pour each of the three test tubesPiece
with 1ofmL of hydrochloric acid.
Magnesium
2. Put the piece of zinc, magnesium, and aluminum
Piece of Aluminum in each test tube simultaneously.
3. Observe the reactions.

IV. Results and Analysis

Upon placing zinc in a test tube with around 1 mL of hydrochloric acid, there was no
immediate reaction observed. However, the zinc gradually dissolved over time, albeit not
completely, emitting a hint of smoke and turning the solution grayish while the reaction
persisted. In contrast, the magnesium exhibited a swift reaction upon being introduced to
the tube, generating more vigorous bubbling and producing a clear and completely
dissolved solution of magnesium-HCl. As for aluminum, it displayed a delayed reaction
unlike zinc and magnesium, with a slow onset that eventually accelerated to yield a
residue-free, colorless solution of aluminum-HCl.

V. Conclusion
The three reactions take place simultaneously within the identical test tube, with the
byproduct of hydrogen gas being released. The varying reactivity levels of the metals
account for the differences in their reaction rates. The magnesium, being the most
reactive, underwent the reaction initially, trailed by zinc and aluminum.

The chemical equations for the reactions are Zn + 2HCl = ZnCl2 + H2, Mg + 2HCl =
MgCl2 + H2, and Al + 2HCl = AlCl2 + H2.

VI. Documentation