Question

What is the solid product formed from the following series of reactions?

You are given a mystery compound containing copper. To find its identity you perform the following steps:

a. Dissolve the compound (salt) in an aqueous solution of dissolved water.

b. Next, you add a strong acid (HCl).

c. Lastly, you add Mg2+(s) to facilitate a redox reaction turning the Cu2+(aq) to Cu(s).

The copper is now solid. What is the identity of this solid product?

Answer 1

Let the compound of copper be: CuX

a. Dissolve the compound (salt) in water.

CuX when dissolved in water, it forms an aqueous solution.

CuX(s) + H₂O(l) -> CuX(aq)

b. Next, you add a strong acid (HCl).

CuX(aq) + 2HCl(aq) -> CuCl₂(aq) + H₂X(aq)

c. Add Mg(s) to facilitate a redox reaction turning the Cu²⁺(aq) to Cu(s).

Displacement reaction takes place.

As Magnesium is highly reactive than copper, it displaces copper from its compound.

Mg(s) + CuCl₂(aq) -> MgCl₂(aq) +Cu(s)

The substance deposited is copper.

Copper is a reddish metal with bright shine(lustre).

After the reaction we can observe a bright reddish deposits and this confirms it is copper.