Question

When zinc granule is dipped in copper sulphate solution, copper is precipitated because ______.

Options

• Both copper and zinc have a positive reduction potential.

• Reduction potential of copper is higher than that of zinc.

• Reduction potential of zinc is higher than that of copper.

• Both zinc and copper have a negative reduction potential.

Answer 1

When zinc granule is dipped in copper sulphate solution, copper is precipitated because reduction potential of copper is higher than that of zinc.

Explanation:

The standard reduction potential of copper is +0.34 V, and for zinc, it is –0.76 V. A metal with lower reduction potential (zinc) gets oxidised, and the one with higher reduction potential (copper) gets reduced. So, zinc displaces copper from CuSO₄ solution, and copper is precipitated.