Chemistry – Acids, bases and salts - The characteristic properties of acids and bases | e-Consult

Acids react with metals in a reaction called displacement. The vigour of the reaction depends on the reactivity series of the metals involved. A more reactive metal will displace a less reactive metal from its salt solution. For example, zinc (Zn) will displace copper (Cu) from a copper sulfate (CuSO₄) solution. The products of this reaction are a salt of the acid and a hydrogen gas (H₂). The general equation is: Metal + Acid (salt) -> Salt + Hydrogen gas.

Factors influencing the vigour of the reaction include the reactivity of the metal, the concentration of the acid, and the surface area of the metal. A more reactive metal, a higher concentration of acid, and a larger surface area will all lead to a faster reaction. Some acids, like hydrochloric acid (HCl) and sulfuric acid (H₂SO₄), react vigorously with many metals, while weaker acids like acetic acid (CH₃COOH) react slowly or not at all.