Question

Explain the following observation 

(i) Zn²⁺ salt are colourless

(ii) Copper has exceptionally positive E^o_M2+/_M value.

Answer 1

(i) Due to absence of unpaired electrons.

(ii) Due to high Δ_aH⁰ and lowΔ_hyd H⁰.

Detailed Answer:

(i) Zinc has no unpaired electrons in has a stable fully filled d orbital its d orbital and state. Thus, due to absence of unpaired electrons, Zn²⁺ salts are colourless.

(ii) As copper has high atomisation Δ_aH⁰ and low hydration energy Δ_nydH⁰, due to which E⁰ value is positive.