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

17650 Views

See similar Chemistry GCSE tutors

Related Chemistry GCSE answers

All answers ▸

What is the concentration of 0.4 moles of 25cm3 ethanoic acid?


How many protons, neutrons and electrons are present in a Lithium (Li+) ion?


what on earth is a mole, and why is it used in balancing equations


How many moles are in 50g of NaCl.


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:

© 2026 by IXL Learning