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Science — CBSE Class 10 board question

Q1. [2]
A light green coloured solution of sulphate salt of metal 'P' is taken in a beaker, a rod of another metal 'Q' is put in this solution as shown the following figures : Identify the metals 'P' and 'Q' and write its chemical equation for the reaction that occurs. State the conclusion of this reaction in terms of reactivity series of metals.
Previously asked in CBSE board exam
2025 31/6/1 Q21
Generated by claude-sonnet-4-6 · 2026-06-14 10:28 · grounding rag
Model Answer

P = Iron (Fe); Q = Zinc (Zn)

The light green solution is FeSO₄ (ferrous sulphate), so metal P is Iron (Fe). The solution turns colourless after the reaction, forming ZnSO₄, so metal Q is Zinc (Zn).

Chemical equation:

$$\text{Zn}(s) + \text{FeSO}_4(aq) \rightarrow \text{ZnSO}_4(aq) + \text{Fe}(s)$$

Conclusion: Zinc is more reactive than iron. A more reactive metal displaces a less reactive metal from its salt solution.

Source: Chemical Reactions and Equations, Section 1.2.3 (Displacement Reaction)

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Explanation

The key clues are: (1) light green colour of PSO₄ → FeSO₄ → P = Fe; (2) colourless product QSO₄ → ZnSO₄ → Q = Zn. The textbook directly gives the Zn + CuSO₄ example; this is the analogous reaction with FeSO₄. Examiners expect the balanced equation with state symbols and a one-line reactivity conclusion. Do not confuse P and Q — P is in solution, Q is the rod doing the displacing.

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Previous-year CBSE Grade 10 board exam questions, organised by subject and chapter, each with a model answer — free to read and print.