Question

In the lab a student added a zinc piece to CuSO₄ solution,

1. What may be his observation? 

2. What did that observation indicate? 

3. Give reason for the above observation.

[Hint: Process related to electrolysis]

Answer 1

1. Zinc pieces will dissolve in CuSO₄ solution and the intensity of the blue colour of CuSO₄ solution decreases.

2. Zinc displaces copper from copper sulphate solution.

3. Lower the value of reduction potential more easily is the substance oxidised and greater the value of reduction potential, more easily is the substance reduced. Zinc is more reactive. Hence Zinc displaces copper from copper sulphate solution.