Question

Read the following passage and answer the questions that follow:

One student was comparing the reactivity of different metals for his science project. He added iron filings in four test tubes A, B, C and D containing aqueous solutions of ZnSO4, CuSO4, FeSO4 and Al2(SO4)3.

1. In which of the test tubes will he observe the reaction to be the most vigorous and why?
2. Write a balanced equation for the reaction involved.

Answer 1

1. The reaction will be most vigorous in test tube B (CuSO₄ solution). Iron is more reactive than copper, so it displaces copper from the copper sulphate solution easily, showing a clear reaction.
2. \[\ce{Fe + CuSO4 -> FeSO4 + Cu}\]