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

Related Chemistry GCSE answers

All answers ▸

Explain the significance of atomic number and mass number in determining atomic properties. Which of these changes in isotopes?


Complete the balanced equation for the overall reaction in a hydrogen fuel cell. _ H2 + ___ > _ H2O


Magnesium oxide contains magnesium ions (Mg2+) and oxide ions (O2–). Describe what happens when magnesium atoms react with oxygen atoms to produce magnesium oxide.


Why can graphite conduct electricity but diamond cant?