Question

Equal lengths of magnesium ribbons are taken in test tubes A and B. Hydrochloric acid (HCl) is added to test tube A while acetic acid (CH₃COOH) is added to test tube B. In which test tube, will the fizzing occur more vigorously and why?

Answer 1

We know that hydrochloric acid (HCl) is a strong acid and acetic acid (CH₃COOH) is a weak acid. Being a strong acid, HCI solution contains a much greater amount of hydrogen ions in it. Due to this, the fizzing will occur more vigorously in test tube A. The fizzing is due to the evolution of H₂ gas which is formed by the action of acid on the magnesium ribbon.