Study the experimental set-up shown in the diagram and write chemical equation for the chemical reaction involved. Name and define the type of reaction. List two other metals which can be used in place of iron to show the same type of reaction with copper sulphate solution.
Generated by claude-sonnet-4-6 · 2026-06-14 10:30 · grounding rag
Model Answer
Chemical Equation:
$$\text{Fe}(s) + \text{CuSO}_4(aq) \rightarrow \text{FeSO}_4(aq) + \text{Cu}(s)$$
Type of Reaction: Displacement reaction.
Definition: A reaction in which a more reactive element displaces a less reactive element from its compound (in solution or molten form) is called a displacement reaction.
Two other metals that can displace copper from copper sulphate solution:
- Zinc (Zn)
- Lead (Pb)
(Both are more reactive than copper, so they displace it from CuSO₄ solution.)
Source: Chapter 1, Section 1.2.3; Chapter 3, Section 3.2.4
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Explanation
- The equation must include state symbols — examiners award marks for these.
- Name and define the reaction type — both are needed for full marks; just naming it is not enough.
- The two metals must be more reactive than copper (above Cu in the activity series). Zinc and lead are the safest choices as the textbook explicitly lists them as examples (equations 1.25 and 1.26). Magnesium, aluminium, iron (already used) also work, but zinc and lead are directly cited for this reaction.
- Do not write metals less reactive than copper (e.g., silver, gold) — they cannot displace copper.