When an iron nail is placed in copper sulphate solution, the pale green solution formed mainly contains which substance?
Answer and explanation
Correct answer: Iron sulphate
Iron is more reactive than copper. It therefore displaces copper from copper sulphate and forms iron sulphate: \(\mathrm{Fe + CuSO_4 \rightarrow FeSO_4 + Cu}\). The \(\mathrm{FeSO_4}\) solution is pale green, while copper is deposited on the nail as a reddish-brown solid. Copper oxide would require reaction with oxygen and is not formed in this displacement reaction.
Frequently asked questions
What is the correct answer to this question?
Iron sulphate
Why is this the correct answer?
Iron is more reactive than copper. It therefore displaces copper from copper sulphate and forms iron sulphate: \(\mathrm{Fe + CuSO_4 \rightarrow FeSO_4 + Cu}\). The \(\mathrm{FeSO_4}\) solution is pale green, while copper is deposited on the nail as a reddish-brown solid. Copper oxide would require reaction with oxygen and is not formed in this displacement reaction.
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.
