Question

Why only zinc is used in laboeatory preparation of hydrogen gas

Answer 1

Pure zinc is not used for the preparation of hydrogen gas because it is non-porous. As a result, the reaction carried out with pure zinc would be too slow. Hence impurities like copper is often added to the zinc. Copper acts as a catalyst ( by providing a large surface area ) and increases the speed of the reaction.

Answer 2

Pure zinc is not used for the preparation of hydrogen gas because it is non-porous. As a result, the reaction carried out with pure zinc would be too slow. Hence impurities like copper is often added to the zinc. Copper actsas a catalyst ( by providing a large surface area ) and increases the speed of the reaction.