What happens when dilute HCL is added to iron fillings?

 

When dilute hydrochloric acid (HCl) is added to iron filings, a chemical reaction occurs between the iron (Fe) and the hydrochloric acid. The reaction can be described by the following word and chemical equations:

Word Equation:

Iron + Hydrochloric acid → Iron(II) chloride + Hydrogen gas

Chemical Equation:

Fe (s) + 2HCl (aq) → FeCl₂ (aq) + H₂ (g)

What Happens:

• Bubbles of hydrogen gas form, visible as effervescence.

• Iron(II) chloride (FeCl₂) dissolves in the acid, forming a pale green solution.

• The iron filings slowly disappear as they react with the acid.

Type of Reaction:

This is a single displacement (redox) reaction, where iron displaces hydrogen from hydrochloric acid.