Lead is only slightly attacked dilute hydrochloric acid , because

Options

A. Pb is less electropositive than hydrogen
B. `PbO_2` film is always present on Pb, which resists chemical attack
C. PbO film is formed , which resists chemical attack by acid
D. a protective coating of `PbCl_2` is formed on the Pb surface

Answer

To solve the question "Lead is only slightly attacked by dilute hydrochloric acid, because," we can follow these steps:

### Step 1: Understand the Reaction
When lead (Pb) comes into contact with dilute hydrochloric acid (HCl), it undergoes a chemical reaction. The reaction produces lead chloride (PbCl2).

### Step 2: Formation of Protective Layer
As lead reacts with dilute hydrochloric acid, it forms a layer of lead chloride (PbCl2) on its surface. This layer acts as a barrier.

### Step 3: Protective Coating Function
The PbCl2 layer prevents further reaction between lead and the hydrochloric acid. Once this protective coating is formed, it inhibits the acid from attacking the underlying lead.

### Step 4: Evaluate the Options
Now, we need to evaluate the provided options to find the correct reason for the slight attack of lead by dilute hydrochloric acid. The correct option should mention the formation of the protective layer of PbCl2.

### Step 5: Conclusion
The correct answer is that a protective coating of PbCl2 is formed on the lead surface, which prevents the attack of the acid.

### Final Answer
Lead is only slightly attacked by dilute hydrochloric acid because a protective coating of PbCl2 is formed on the lead surface, which prevents further reaction with the acid.

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