An iron nail placed in a solution copper (ll) tetraoxosulphate (VI) is soon covered with a deposit of copper which of the following equations represents the...
An iron nail placed in a solution copper (ll) tetraoxosulphate (VI) is soon covered with a deposit of copper which of the following equations represents the reactions ?
Answer Details
The correct equation that represents the reaction is:
Fe(s) + Cu^2+ (aq) → Fe^2+ (aq) + Cu(s)
Explanation: When an iron nail is placed in a solution of copper(II) sulfate, the iron atoms on the surface of the nail lose electrons and become Fe^2+ ions, which go into the solution. At the same time, the Cu^2+ ions from the copper(II) sulfate solution gain electrons from the iron nail and form a solid copper deposit on the surface of the nail. This is a redox reaction, in which iron is oxidized and copper is reduced. The correct equation must show the transfer of electrons from the iron to the copper ions, as well as the formation of solid copper. Only option (D) shows the correct transfer of electrons and formation of a solid copper deposit, making it the correct equation.