Question detail
What type of reaction occurs when an acid reacts with a metal?
Try the question, check the answer, then read the explanation to understand the curriculum point.
At a glance
MCQ
Type
practice
Style
Topic
Reactions of acids
Question
- A. Neutralisation
- B. Decomposition
- C. Displacement
- D. Combination
Answer
Displacement
Explanation
The reaction between an acid and a metal is a displacement reaction, where the metal displaces hydrogen ions from the acid.
Common mistake
Misunderstanding reactivity series relevance
Students think all metals will react with dilute acids, ignoring the reactivity series and the fact that metals below hydrogen (e.g., zinc, iron) may not react readily with dilute acids.
Explain that only metals higher than hydrogen in the reactivity series (e.g., magnesium, zinc, iron) will displace hydrogen from dilute acids; metals below hydrogen (e.g., copper, silver) do not react with dilute acids because they are less reactive.
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