Imagine that solid zinc, Zn, is added to hydrochloric acid, HCl, resulting in zinc chloride, ZnCl2, and hydrogen gas, H2. (Need help! Thanks!)

b.) Write the ionic equation and the net ionic equation for this reaction.

Question

Imagine that solid zinc, Zn, is added to hydrochloric acid, HCl, resulting in zinc chloride, ZnCl2, and hydrogen gas, H2. (Need help! Thanks!) 

b.) Write the ionic equation and the net ionic equation for this reaction.

aaronq · Answer

ionic:
Zn(s) + 2H+(aq) + 2Cl-(aq) ->  Zn2+(aq) + 2Cl- (aq) + H2(g) 

net ionic: remove spectator ions

e.cociuba · Answer

I don't want the answers. I wan't to be able to know how to do it.

aaronq · Answer

well you know Zn is elemental so it's not an ion, therefore is doesn't carry a charge

H and Cl have +1 and -1 charges (how many e each lost and gained)

just add them together nothing that Zn will displace the H in HCl, and H2 is evolved.

it takes a bit of practice forming what is written on paper into an equation

aaronq · Answer

oh ps you have to know that Zn only makes a +2 ion, and therefore you need 2 Cl- to make it neutral

e.cociuba · Answer

Ok ya tht makes sense now. Thanks! :)

aaronq · Answer

no problem!