Question
Question: Can you store \[{\text{CuS}}{{\text{O}}_{\text{4}}}\] solution in zinc pot...
Can you store CuSO4 solution in zinc pot
Solution
When one element has replaced or removed another element to form a new compound that is known as displacement reaction. CuSO4 stored means the composition of CuSO4 shouldn’t be changed or it must be long lasting.
Complete step by step answer:
Copper sulphate solution can’t be store in zinc pot as zinc is more reactive than copper because the standard reduction potential (E0) value of copper is more than that of zinc.
i.e. Zn + 2/Zn = - 0.76V and Cu+2/Cu = 0.34
Here we can see that the Cu2 + has higher reduction potential than Zn2 + . Zn has higher oxidation potential so, it will go easily Zn → Zn2+
There will be the reaction, Zn + CuSO4→ Cu + ZnSO4
In this reaction, zinc has displaced another element copper, from copper sulphate solution. Therefore, we cannot store it.
Additional information:
Reduction potential: reduction means gain of electrons, when an atom or element gains an electron then we can say as a result the element is reduced.
Oxidation potential: oxidation means loss of electrons, when an atom or element loses their electron then we can say as a result element is oxidized.
Greater the reduction potential of an ion, more easily it is reduced and vice versa. For example, in Daniel cell, Cu2 + is reduced due to greater reduction potential than Zn, which is oxidized.
At anode: oxidation
Zn(s) → Zn + 2 + 2e -
At cathode: reduction
Cu + 2 + 2e - →Cu(s)
Note:
The main component in the battery is copper sulphate. Chemistry inside of a battery is called electrochemistry because it involves reaction that produces or consumes free electrons. Specially they are oxidation or redox reactions, the ones where electrons are exchanged.