This is a chemical reaction between the metal zinc (Zn) and the compound copper(II) sulfate (CuSO4), which produce the compound zinc sulfate (ZnSO4) and the metal copper (Cu). This reaction is a type of metal replacement reaction, in which zinc has a stronger oxidation property than copper, hence replacing copper in the compound, creating a new compound and releasing copper.
The balanced equation: Zn(s) + CuSO4(aq) -> ZnSO4(aq) + Cu(s)
- Reaction conditions
The reaction occurs under normal conditions (room temperature, standard pressure), without the need for a catalyst.
- Reaction process
When zinc is mixed with copper(II) sulfate solution, zinc will replace copper to form the zinc sulfate compound. This results in the copper being released as a metal and adhering to the zinc surface.
- Phenomena occurring
When zinc reacts with copper(II) sulfate solution, the initial solution with the blue color of Cu2+ ions will gradually lose its color, and red patches of copper appear on the zinc surface.