In the reaction equation between zinc and hydrochloric acid, place the coefficients using the electronic

In the reaction equation between zinc and hydrochloric acid, place the coefficients using the electronic balance method. Specify the oxidizing agent and the reducing agent.

Zn + 2HCl = ZnCl2 + H2

Zn ^ 0 – 2e = Zn ^ 2 + | * 1 – reducing agent, oxidizes

2H ^ + + 2e = H2 ^ 0 | * 1 – oxidizing agent, reduced

In most cases, when metals are dissolved in acids, hydrogen ions are the oxidizing agent. Exceptions are some oxygen-containing oxidizing acids – nitric, concentrated sulfuric, perchloric. Metal always acts as a reducing agent.