The three main types of acid are: Hydrochloric Acid (HCL), Sulphuric Acid (H2SO4) and Nitric Acid (HNO3), all of which contain Hydrogen.
The Reaction with Metals
When an acid reacts with a metal it forms a salt and Hydrogen.
Any metal reacted with one of the three main types of acid becomes the type of metal, followed by Chloride, Sulphate or Nitrate (e.g. Copper Chloride) depending upon the type of acid. Hydrogen is also present.
Different acids react to form different salts:
Hydrochloric Acid ? Chloride
Sulphuric Acid ? Sulphate
Nitric Acid ? Nitrate
The general equation for the reaction of metal with acid is “Metal + Acid ? Salt + Hydrogen”
Example
Copper + Hydrochloric Acid ? Copper Chloride
Zinc + Sulphuric Acid ? Zinc Sulphate
Iron + Nitric Acid ? Iron Nitrate
