Why doesn't the reaction of copper and hydrochloric acid give off hydrogen gas?
Copper does not react with hydrochloric acid under any conditions, the total entropy change is negative.
copper isn't very reactive for some reason. don't ask me.
Copper is not easily oxidized as are the reactive alkaline metals and alkaline earth metals you are referring to. 2Na + 2HCl --> 2NaCl + H2(g) Copper occupies the same family of the periodic table as silver and gold. This similarity in electron structure makes them similar in many characteristics. You probably asking how Copper salts are made then. Well usually from CuO Cu + heat + O2 --> CuO Then CuO + HCl(conc) --> CuCl2 or CuO + HNO3(conc) --> Cu(NO3)2
