Question

Explain why lead carbonate is does not react with dilute \[HCl.\]

Answer 1

Hint: We know that Reaction of acid and metal results in the formation of salt and hydrogen, whereas salt produced depends on the acid used. The hydrogen is released in the process as the metals are above hydrogen in the activity series.

Complete answer:
Reaction of lead with hydrochloric acid leads to the formation of lead chloride and hydrogen gas. The gas produced in the form of bubbles. The acid whose concentration is very less due to the presence of a large amount of water is called dilute acid. Dilute acids won’t have a capability to react with few metals due to the less activity of few meals when compared to hydrogen ions.
Lead appears not to react with dilute hydrochloric acid and dilute sulphuric acid. This is because a layer of lead \[\left( II \right)\] chloride or lead \[\left( II \right)\] sulphate is formed from the initial reaction between the lead and the dilute acid. This layer is insoluble in water and quickly forms a coating around the metal. The coating protects metal from further attack by acids. The lead carbonate does not react with dil. \[HCl\] because the initial reaction causes the formation of a layer of lead \[\left( II \right)\] chloride or lead \[\left( II \right)\] sulfate. This layer is insoluble in water and apparently forms a layer which prohibits the reaction of lead carbonate and dil. \[HCl.\]

Note:
Remember that generally metals react with dilute hydrochloric acid and form respective metal chlorides and liberate hydrogen gas as the products. The formed metal chlorides are going to soluble in the aqueous solution. Lead lies in the middle of the series in terms of reactivity and its reaction with other acids. Lead does not readily react with oxygen. Lead reacts vigorously with Fluorine and chlorine at room temperature.