Question

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.

Answer 1

Meatal P is iron (Fe).

Metal Q is Zinc (Zn).

The chemical reaction is given as:

\[\ce{Zn + FeSO4 -> \underset{Zinc Sulphate}{ZnSO4} + Fe}\]

In this displacement process, zinc (Zn) replaces iron (Fe) in iron sulphate (FeSO₄) due to its higher reactivity. Zinc sulphate (ZnSO₄) is formed as a colorless solution, whereas iron (Fe) deposits on the zinc rod.