Question:

The metal that does not give H2 gas on treatment with dilute HCl is:

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Compare the metal's position with hydrogen in the reactivity series.
Updated On: Jul 16, 2026
  • Zn
  • Fe
  • Ag
  • Ca
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The Correct Option is C

Solution and Explanation

Step 1: A metal can push hydrogen out of a dilute acid only if it is more reactive than hydrogen, that is, it sits above hydrogen in the activity series.
Step 2: Zn, Fe and Ca are all placed above hydrogen in the reactivity series. Each one reacts with dilute HCl to form the metal chloride and release hydrogen gas.
Zn + 2HCl gives ZnCl2 + H2
Fe + 2HCl gives FeCl2 + H2
Ca + 2HCl gives CaCl2 + H2
Step 3: Silver (Ag) is placed below hydrogen in the reactivity series. It is a poor reducing agent and cannot lose electrons easily enough to displace hydrogen ions from the acid.
Step 4: So when Ag is dropped into dilute HCl, nothing happens, no gas is released and no reaction takes place.
Step 5: Hence the metal that does not give H2 with dilute HCl is Ag, option C.
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