What substance reacts with dilute acis to produce hydrogen gas

Dilute acids react with relatively reactive metals such as magnesium, aluminium, zinc and iron. The products of the reaction are a salt plus hydrogen gas. Here's a good way to remember it: MASH (M+A→S+H). In general, the more reactive the metal, the faster the reaction.

Reactive metals.

Dilute acids react with relatively reactive metals such as magnesium, aluminium, zinc and iron. The products of the reaction are a salt plus hydrogen gas.

Metal + Acid → Salt + Hydrogen

Here’s a good way to remember it: MASH (M+A→S+H).

The name of the salt depends on the name of the acid. For example:

(1) Magnesium + Hydrochloric acid → Magnesium chloride + Hydrogen

[ Mg + 2HCl → MgCl2 + H2 ]

(2) Zinc + Sulfuric acid → Zinc sulfate + Hydrogen

[ Zn + H2SO4 → ZnSO4 + H2 ]

In general, the more reactive the metal, the faster the reaction. However, aluminium has a protective oxide layer, so it reacts slowly with acids to begin with.