$2\ \mathrm{ml}$ of sodium hydroxide solution is added to a few pieces of granulated zinc metal taken in a test tube. When the contents are warmed a gas evolves which is bubbled through a soap solution before testing. Write the equation of the chemical reaction involved and the test to detect the gas. Name the gas which will be evolved when the same metal reacts with dilute solution of a strong acid? The $\mathrm{pH}$ of a salt used to make tasty and crispy pakoras is 14. Identify the salt and write a chemical equation for its formation. List its two uses.