Question

Hydrogen gas is prepared by the reaction of dilute H₂SO₄ with
1. Zinc
2. Helium
3. Copper
4. Mercury

Answer 1

Correct Answer - Option 1 : Zinc

The correct answer is Zinc.

• Hydrogen gas can be easily prepared in the laboratory.
• This preparation of hydrogen gas usually involves the action of dilute sulphuric acid or dilute hydrochloric acid on zinc granules.
• Granulated zinc is ideal for the preparation of hydrogen gas in chemical laboratories because it usually contains a small amount of copper, which has the ability to act as a catalyst to the associated chemical reaction and, therefore, increase the rate of the chemical reaction without actually participating in it.
• The chemical reaction that takes place in formation of Hydrogen gas is
  • Zn + H₂SO₄ → ZnSO₄ + H₂ 
• Uses of Hydrogen gas:
  • It is used to fill many balloons and airships.
  • It is also used for the hardening of animal oils and certain vegetable oils.
  • It is widely used as a fuel in oxy-hydrogen blow pipes.

• Uses of Copper:
  • Electrical wiring
  • Roofing
  • Plumbing
  • Industrial machinery
• Uses of Helium:
  • Airbags
  • Cleaning rocket fuel-tank
  • Arc welding
  • Medicine and Scientific research
• Uses of Mercury:
  • Electrical and electronic equipment
  • Industrial chemicals