Question

Can we store copper sulphate solution in silver vessel? Give suitable explanation. 

Given: \[\ce{E{^{\circ}_{Cu^{2+}/Cu}}}\] = +0.34 V, \[\ce{E{^{\circ}_{Zn^{2+}/Zn}}}\] = −0.76 V, \[\ce{E{^{\circ}_{Ag^{+}/Ag}}}\] = +0.80 V.

Answer 1

Copper sulphate solution can be safely stored in a silver vessel because silver is less reactive than copper. This is evident from the electrochemical series, where silver has a higher standard reduction potential (\[\ce{E^{\circ}_{Ag^{+}/Ag}}\] = +0.80 V) than copper (\[\ce{E^{\circ}_{Cu^{+}/Cu}}\] = +0.34 V). Since silver is below copper in the series, it cannot displace copper from its salt solution. The cell potential for the reaction \[\ce{Ag + Cu^2+ −> Ag+ + Cu}\] is negative (–0.46 V), meaning the reaction is not spontaneous. Therefore, no reaction occurs, and copper sulphate does not corrode the silver vessel.