Derek didn't use all the HCl that he poured out for an
experiment. He decides to store the rest in an aluminum
can. What do you tell him.
ut of
question
Select one:
a. Nothing. Aluminum is a safe non-reactive metal for
storage of acids.
b. Hydrochloric acid is flammable in the presence of
aluminum.
c. The reaction of the acid and the aluminum can will
turn the can ice cold.
d. The acid is likely to eat through the can.

Aluminium is a metallic element found in group 3 of the periodic table. Aluminum is a very reactive metal owing to the fact that it reacts with almost every substance it comes in contact with e.g air, acids, bases etc.

In this question where Derek stores his Hydrochloric acid (HCl) remnant, after an experiment, into a can made of aluminum. What will happen is that the acid is likely going to eat through the can. This might occur gradually but will eventually. Aluminum protects itself from further reactions by forming a layer of Aluminum oxide (Al2O3) when it reacts with air.

This is what keeps the reaction with HCl gradual but the acid will eventually permeate the layer and corrode the aluminum can by reacting with the aluminum.