Question

A student added few pieces of aluminium metal to two test tubes A and B containing aqueous solutions of iron sulphate and copper sulphate. In the second part of her experiment, she added iron metal to another test tubes C and D containing aqueous solutions of aluminium sulphate and copper sulphate. 

In which test tube or test tubes will she observe colour change ? On the basis of this experiment, state which one is the most reactive metal and why.

Answer 1

When aluminium is added to test tubes A and B containing aqueous solutions of iron sulphate and copper sulphate, aluminium will displace both iron and copper from their salt solutions as aluminium is more reactive than both iron and copper. Also, iron when added to test tube C containing aluminium sulphate will not react but will displace copper from its salt solution in test tube D. Hence, the colour change will take place in test tubes A, B and D and no colour will take place in C. Aluminium is the most reactive metal of all as it can displace both iron and copper from their salt solutions