A student places a zinc strip in a blue copper sulphate solution and says that the blue colour fades because copper is more reactive than zinc. Which correction to this statement is correct?
Answer and explanation
Correct answer: Zinc is more reactive than copper; it displaces copper from copper sulphate to form zinc sulphate.
Zinc is above copper in the reactivity series. Therefore, zinc displaces copper from copper sulphate solution: \(\mathrm{Zn + CuSO_4 \rightarrow ZnSO_4 + Cu}\). The blue \(\mathrm{Cu^{2+}}\) ions are removed from the solution, producing colourless zinc sulphate, while copper is deposited on the zinc strip. Option B reverses the reactivity order.
Frequently asked questions
What is the correct answer to this question?
Zinc is more reactive than copper; it displaces copper from copper sulphate to form zinc sulphate.
Why is this the correct answer?
Zinc is above copper in the reactivity series. Therefore, zinc displaces copper from copper sulphate solution: \(\mathrm{Zn + CuSO_4 \rightarrow ZnSO_4 + Cu}\). The blue \(\mathrm{Cu^{2+}}\) ions are removed from the solution, producing colourless zinc sulphate, while copper is deposited on the zinc strip. Option B reverses the reactivity order.
Which subject and chapter does this question cover?
This is a Class 10 Science question. Chapter: Chemical Substances – Nature and Behaviour. Topic: Chemical Reactions and Equations.
