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Activity 1.2 — Zinc + dilute HCl

NCERT Activity 1.2: Add dilute hydrochloric acid to zinc granules in a conical flask. Observe the brisk effervescence of H₂ gas and confirm it with the 'pop' test.

How To Perform

1

Add Zinc Granules

Tip a few zinc granules into a clean, dry conical flask.

2

Add dilute HCl

Pour about 5 mL of dilute hydrochloric acid into the flask.

3

Observe Effervescence

Watch brisk bubbling at the zinc surface and feel the flask warm up (exothermic).

4

Pop Test for H₂

Bring a burning matchstick to the mouth of the flask. A 'pop' confirms H₂ gas.

⚠️ Safety Notes

  • Add acid to the zinc (NOT water to acid) — though here the acid is already dilute.
  • Keep your face away from the flask mouth when testing for H₂ — the pop can splatter droplets.
  • Use dilute HCl (~1 M). Concentrated HCl gives off choking fumes.