Question

Explain, why can zinc displace Cu from an aqueous solution of CuSO₄ but Cu cannot displace zinc from aqueous ZnSO₄ solution?

Answer 1

1. Since zinc is placed above copper in the electrochemical series, it has a higher tendency to lose electrons, i.e., a greater oxidation potential than copper.
2. This means zinc is more reactive and can undergo oxidation more readily than copper.
3. Therefore, zinc can displace copper from an aqueous solution of copper sulphate.
   \[\ce{Zn_{(s)} + CuSO4_{(aq)} -> ZnSO4_{(aq)} + Cu_{(s)}}\]
4. However, copper cannot displace zinc from zinc sulphate solution because copper has a lower tendency to get oxidised.