Zn + HCl --> What is the product(s) of this equation, also balance the eq. and list the type of rea

Question

First find the product(s) to the equation
Then balance the equation
Then list the type of reaction

I don't understand why Zn + HCl doesn't make a product of ZnCl2, because an element + a compound doesn't equal a compound, that isn't any type of reaction. What am I doing wrong?

Zn is +2 charge, H is a +1 charge because Cl is a -1 charge.
Then I swapped them to make ZnCl2 and left H out, but it just doesn't make sense.

Answer 1

That would be a single displacement reaction (or single substitution, or any one of a number of other names). You end up with the following:
Zn + 2HCl ---> ZnCl2 + H2
The Zn displaces the H - which leaves solution as H2 (hydrogen gas) - and makes ZnCl2 (zinc chloride).