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(I may have this wrong)
In reactive metals like sodium, the outer electron orbital has a space or two. If the atom can find an extra electron, e.g. from the acid, it will be "happy" so the reaction will proceed (the end result is in a lower energy state than the beginning)

In metals like gold and platinum the outer electron orbital is already filled. The acid has nothing the metal atom wants. Getting it to react is like offering Bill Gates $10,000 to come to your wedding.
(gold will dissolve though in aqua regia; a mixture of nitric and hydrochloric acid)

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14y ago
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6mo ago

Not all metals react with acids because the reaction depends on the reactivity of the metal. Reactive metals like sodium and magnesium readily react with acids to form salt and hydrogen gas, while less reactive metals like gold and platinum do not react with most acids due to their stable nature. The reactivity is influenced by the metal's position in the reactivity series.

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Q: Why don't all metals react to acid?
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Do all metals react with hydrocholric acid?

No, not all metals react with hydrochloric acid. Generally, metals that are more reactive than hydrogen in the reactivity series will react with hydrochloric acid to form metal chloride and hydrogen gas. Metals which are less reactive than hydrogen, such as copper, silver, and gold, do not react with hydrochloric acid.


Do all metals react with hydrochloric acid to give hydrogen gas?

No, not all metals react with hydrochloric acid to produce hydrogen gas. Only metals higher in the reactivity series than hydrogen, such as zinc, iron, and magnesium, will react with hydrochloric acid to form hydrogen gas. Metals like gold, silver, and platinum do not react with hydrochloric acid.


Do all metals react with acid then disappear?

No, not all metals will completely disappear when reacting with acid. Some metals, such as gold or platinum, are unreactive and will not dissolve in acid. Others, like zinc or magnesium, will react with acid to form a metal salt and hydrogen gas but will not completely disappear.


What metals react with cold hydrochloric acid?

Metals that react with cold hydrochloric acid include magnesium, zinc, iron, and aluminum. When these metals react with hydrochloric acid, they form metal chloride salts and release hydrogen gas.


Does acid react with metals?

Yes, most acids react with metals to form metal salts and hydrogen gas. The reactivity depends on the metal and the concentration of the acid. Highly reactive metals like aluminum and zinc react readily with acids, while less reactive metals like gold and platinum do not react with most acids.

Related questions

Do all metals react with hydrocholric acid?

No, not all metals react with hydrochloric acid. Generally, metals that are more reactive than hydrogen in the reactivity series will react with hydrochloric acid to form metal chloride and hydrogen gas. Metals which are less reactive than hydrogen, such as copper, silver, and gold, do not react with hydrochloric acid.


Do all metals react with hydrochloric acid to give hydrogen gas?

No, not all metals react with hydrochloric acid to produce hydrogen gas. Only metals higher in the reactivity series than hydrogen, such as zinc, iron, and magnesium, will react with hydrochloric acid to form hydrogen gas. Metals like gold, silver, and platinum do not react with hydrochloric acid.


Do all metals react with acid then disappear?

No, not all metals will completely disappear when reacting with acid. Some metals, such as gold or platinum, are unreactive and will not dissolve in acid. Others, like zinc or magnesium, will react with acid to form a metal salt and hydrogen gas but will not completely disappear.


What are compounds that taste sour and react with metal?

Compounds that taste sour and react with metals are likely acids. For example, hydrochloric acid, acetic acid, and citric acid are all sour-tasting compounds that can react with certain metals to produce hydrogen gas.


What metals react with cold hydrochloric acid?

Metals that react with cold hydrochloric acid include magnesium, zinc, iron, and aluminum. When these metals react with hydrochloric acid, they form metal chloride salts and release hydrogen gas.


What metal will react with hydrochloric acid?

Many. All the alkali metals will react explosively with it. All the alkaline earths will also react extremely vigorously. Group 3 metals from Al and below will and many transition metals do also. Copper, silver and Gold do not.


Does acid react with metals?

Yes, most acids react with metals to form metal salts and hydrogen gas. The reactivity depends on the metal and the concentration of the acid. Highly reactive metals like aluminum and zinc react readily with acids, while less reactive metals like gold and platinum do not react with most acids.


What gas is given off when metals react with hydrochloric acid?

A gas called hydrogen is given off when most metals react with aqueous hydrochloric acid. The ease with which this happens varies: All alkali metals reacts extemely quickly and, with the possible exception of lithium, dangerously. The alkaline earth metals, except beryllium and magnesium, are similar. Most other metals dissolve more slowly and may require heating to evolve the hydrogen gas, and some metals such as copper, gold, and platinum do not react at all.


What metals react violently with acid?

Metals such as sodium, potassium, and lithium can react violently with acids. These reactions can produce heat, hydrogen gas, and cause the acid to splash. Special precautions should be taken when working with these reactive metals to prevent accidents.


What reacts with sulphuric acid?

Many metals, metal oxides, metal hydroxides, and carbonates can react with sulfuric acid to form salts and release hydrogen gas. Organic compounds such as alcohols can also react with sulfuric acid to form esters.


When acids react with metals?

When acids react with metals, they typically produce hydrogen gas and a salt of the metal. The metal displaces hydrogen from the acid, resulting in the formation of the metal salt and hydrogen gas as a byproduct. The reactivity of the metal with the acid depends on the metal's position in the reactivity series.


What metals cannot displace hydrogen gas from a dilute acid?

Metals like copper, silver, and gold cannot displace hydrogen gas from a dilute acid because they are less reactive than hydrogen. This means they cannot donate electrons easily to form ions that can displace hydrogen in the acid.