Zn + H2o
When zinc (Zn) is mixed with water (H2O), a chemical reaction occurs that produces hydrogen gas (H2) and zinc hydroxide (Zn(OH)2). The balanced chemical equation for this reaction is:
Zn + 2H2O → Zn(OH)2 + H2
In this reaction, the zinc atoms lose electrons to form positively charged ions (Zn2+), while the water molecules gain electrons to form negatively charged hydroxide ions (OH-). The zinc ions then combine with the hydroxide ions to form solid zinc hydroxide, which precipitates out of solution. Meanwhile, the hydrogen gas that is produced is released as bubbles.
It's worth noting that this reaction occurs more readily in acidic solutions, where the presence of excess H+ ions helps to facilitate the generation of hydrogen gas. In neutral or basic solutions, the reaction may be slower or not occur at all.
Overall, the reaction between zinc and water is an example of a single displacement reaction, where one element (zinc) replaces another element (hydrogen) in a compound (water).