The reaction of acids with metals produces which gas?

The reaction of acids with metals typically produces hydrogen gas. This is a fundamental reaction in chemistry, particularly in the study of acids and their behavior in displacement reactions.

When a metal reacts with an acid, the metal displaces hydrogen from the acid. This can be represented by a general reaction formula:

Metal + Acid → Salt + Hydrogen Gas

For example, when zinc reacts with hydrochloric acid, zinc chloride and hydrogen gas are produced:

Zn + 2HCl → ZnCl2 + H2↑

The presence of hydrogen gas can often be observed in labs by the formation of bubbles during the reaction or sometimes by the gas being ignited to produce a characteristic 'pop' sound.

In contrast, oxygen, nitrogen, and neon are not products of the acid-metal reaction. Oxygen is typically released in reactions involving oxidizing agents, nitrogen is a product of specific reactions like the decomposition of certain compounds, and neon is a noble gas that does not readily participate in chemical reactions. Thus, the production of hydrogen gas is correctly identified in this context.