Question

A solution of CuSO₄ was kept in an iron pot. After few days the iron pot was found to have a number of holes in it. Explain the reason in terms of reactivity. Write the equation of the reaction involved.

Answer 1

According to the reactivity series of metals, iron is more reactive than copper and hence can displace copper from its salt. When a solution of copper sulphate is stored in the iron pot, a displacement reaction happened and iron from the pot came into the solution forming iron sulphate and thus the holes were formed in the pot.

`"CuSO"_4("aq") + "Fe"("s") -> "FeSO"_4("aq") + "Cu"("s")`