Question

  The chemical equation for the reaction between zinc and copper (II) sulfate is shown below. Use the chemical equation to explain your observations upon mixing the two. 5 pts Zn(s) + CuSO4(aq) → Cu(s) + ZnSO4(aq)

Answer 1

Copper sulfate is a light blue colored solution and color of zinc is metallic grey. Upon mixing zinc with copper sulfate solution, zinc dissolves forming zinc sulfate solution and copper gets precipitated. The blue color of copper sulfate solution disappears and reddish brown colored copper precipitates. The zinc sulfate solution is colorless.

Zinc is more electronegative than copper. Thus, zinc undergoes oxidation to form Zn²⁺ ions and Cu²⁺ ions undergo reduction to form solid copper. It is an example of redox reaction.