Write word equations and then balanced equations for the reaction taking place when - (a) dilute sulphuric acid reacts with zinc granules. (b) dilute hydrochloric acid reacts with magnesium ribbon. (c) dilute sulphuric acid reacts with aluminium powder. (d) dilute hydrochloric acid reacts with iron filings.

Word equations are a way to describe chemical reactions using the names of the reactants and products rather than their chemical formulas. This makes understanding the reaction more intuitive for beginners. For instance, instead of writing chemical symbols, you can describe the reaction between sulfuric acid and zinc as:sulfuric acid + zinc → zinc sulfate + hydrogen. In this equation, all the substances involved are represented by words, which makes the reaction clearer.

A balanced chemical equation accurately represents the conservation of mass during a chemical reaction. This means the number of atoms for each element must be the same on both sides of the equation. For example, the word equation 'Hydrochloric acid + Magnesium → Magnesium chloride + Hydrogen' can be converted into a balanced chemical equation:2HCl + Mg → MgCl₂ + H₂. Here, we see that there are two hydrogen atoms and two chlorine atoms on both sides of the equation, ensuring it is balanced. Balancing chemical equations is crucial because it reflects the law of conservation of mass. Remember, balancing involves only adjusting the coefficients (number before a chemical formula) and not the subscripts within a formula.

Acid-metal reactions are a type of chemical reaction where acids react with metals to produce a salt and hydrogen gas. This reaction can be observed when metals like zinc, magnesium, aluminum, or iron react with dilute acids such as hydrochloric acid or sulfuric acid. In these reactions, hydrogen ions (H⁺) from the acid are reduced, releasing hydrogen gas (H₂), while the metal atoms lose electrons, forming metal ions. For example, when hydrochloric acid reacts with magnesium, the reaction can be observed as:2HCl + Mg → MgCl₂ + H₂. This shows that hydrogen gas is released, and magnesium chloride (a salt) is formed. Not only are such reactions interesting, but they are also valuable in various applications like hydrogen gas production.