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Question

Question: When zinc reacts with dilute sulphuric acid, hydrogen gas is released....

When zinc reacts with dilute sulphuric acid, hydrogen gas is released.

Explanation

Solution

Try to understand the use of dilute sulphuric acid in the above reaction. Sulphuric acid is commonly used as an oxidizing agent as well as a dehydrating agent( in organic reactions). One possible way of attempting this question is that zinc loses electrons to get oxidized. On the other hand instead of sulphur, the hydrogen ion gains electrons to form its molecule.

Complete step-by-step answer:
Zinc is a mineral commonly called as an "essential trace element" because small amounts of zinc are extremely important for the human body. The human body does not store excess zinc, and thus it must be consumed as part of the diet on a regular basis.
Zinc reacts with mineral acids and to give out hydrogen gas. The presence of hydrogen gas is confirmed by the pop sound when a lit matchstick is brought near the test tube.
The reaction is given below:
Zn(s) + H2SO4  ZnSO4(aq.) + H2\text{Z}{{\text{n}}_{\text{(s)}}}\text{ + }{{\text{H}}_{\text{2}}}\text{S}{{\text{O}}_{\text{4}}}\text{ }\to \text{ ZnS}{{\text{O}}_{\text{4(aq}\text{.)}}}\text{ + }{{\text{H}}_{\text{2}\uparrow }}
Therefore, the correct answer is option (A).

Additional information: Common sources of zinc in the diet include red meat, poultry, and fish. Zinc deficiency leads to short stature, reduced ability to taste food, and the inability of testes and ovaries to function in a proper manner.

Note: Zinc is used to treat and prevent zinc deficiency and its consequences, including stunted growth and acute diarrhea in children, slow wound healing, and a rare disease called Wilson's disease. There is some scientific evidence to support its use for some of these conditions. But for most, there is no good scientific evidence to support its use.