Calculate the atom economy for making hydrogen when zinc is reacted with HCL?

So, there are two parts to this question. 

Firstly, you need to decode the words in the question and transform this into an equation. 

From chemical knowledge, you know: acid + metal --> salt + hydrogen 

So now: HCL + Zn --> ZnCl2 + H2 .... then we balance this to give: 2HCL + Zn --> ZnCl2 + H2 

Secondly, we need to recall the atom economy equation (Mr of desired product / Mr sum of all products  x 100) i.e. what you need/everything produced  x 100  

Desired product Mr i.e. of H2 is: 1 x 2 = 2

All products Mr i.e. ZnCl2 + H2 is: 65 + (2 x 35.5) + (1 x 2) = 138 

2/138 x100 =1.45% :)

PD
Answered by Pooja D. Chemistry tutor

16413 Views

See similar Chemistry GCSE tutors

Related Chemistry GCSE answers

All answers ▸

Give the reagents and conditions needed to convert a secondary alcohol into a ketone. Name the process which occurs during the conversion.


Explain the difference between an unsaturated and saturated compound.


Why does graphite conduct electericity but diamond does not if both substances have a giant covalent structure?


Describe and explain how changes in the earth atmosphere, from the Precambrian Era (where the earth as occupied by volcanoes), have changed to form the surface of the Earth today and its atmosphere.


We're here to help

contact us iconContact ustelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

MyTutor is part of the IXL family of brands:

© 2025 by IXL Learning