Zn(s) + 2HCl(aq) → ZnCl2(aq) + H2(g)

When combining zinc metal with hydrochloric acid, you notice that you run out of zinc and still have plenty of hydrochloric acid to

continue the reaction. What is the term used to describe the zinc?

limiting reactant

Explanation:

The term that will be used to describe zinc in this case is limiting reactant.

A limiting reactant is a reactant that determines the amount of product formed in a chemical reaction. They are often stoichiometrically smaller of all the reactants in a reaction and once they are used up during, the reaction stops.

In this case, the zinc metal in the reaction is completely consumed, making the hydrochloric acid to be in excess. The zinc thus determines the amount of the products formed,