Why does Al, Zn, Fe, Ni, Sn all dissolve in hydrochloric acid

Question

Why doesnt these metal dissolve in hydrochloric acid: Cu, Hg, Ag, Au , Pt

What differences do they have?

Answer 1

I assume it's because Al, Zn, Fe, Ni, Sn when mixed with HCl form bonds to the chloride, as the Hydrogen binds to the oxygen in the air. They all must have a certain number of valence electrons that, in some form, have the ability to combine with the hydrogen.

Cu, Hg, Ag, Au , Pt do not have the ability to combine with the hydrogen because of the way their valence electrons are.

I've never had to answer this question before, nor do I know the atomic numbers of these metals, but that would be the answer as there is no other explanation.

Answer 2

It has somthing to do with covalent and ionic bonds

and the solvent being polar or non polar

i dunno

chekk it up on the net

Answer 3

have u heard about electrochemical series?if yes,thn its easy 4 u 2 understand.metals such as Au,Pt,Ag,Cu,Hg have high reduction potential (below SHE) so they dont react with acids(dont liberate H2 from acids).bt those metals which have  v.low values of reduction potentials(above SHE,and at the top of the series) can react with acids(can liberate H2 with acids.Zn,Fe,Ni,Al,Sn are such metals and the reaction is

M + 2HCl -------------> 2MCl + H2

where M stands 4 metal