Question

The student decided to do another experiment with his leftover copper(II) sulfate (CuSO4) solution. He divided the solution up into two beakers. He dropped an iron nail (Fe(s)) into one beaker. He dropped a silver rod (Ag(s)) into the other. Write the chemical equation of any reactions he saw.

Answer 1

Answer:

CuSO4 + Fe -> FeSO4 + Cu

Explanation:

This reaction is a classic example of a redox reaction. I won't go in too deep, but the basic thing is that electrons from the Fe atom go to the Cu2+ ion. Therefore, Fe becomes an ion, and Cu - an electroneutral atom:

Fe + Cu2+ -> Fe2+ + Cu.

Silver is not a very reactive metal and it does not give up its electrons to Cu.