This equation describes the reaction process between copper (Cu) and hot concentrated sulfuric acid (H2SO4) to form copper(II) sulfate (CuSO4) and hydrogen (H2). This is a first order displacement reaction, in which a chemical element (copper) is replaced by another element (hydrogen) in a complex substance (sulfuric acid).
- Reaction conditions
This reaction requires hot concentrated sulfuric acid to proceed. If dilute sulfuric acid is used, the reaction will not occur.
- Reaction process
Firstly, copper reacts with hot concentrated sulfuric acid to form copper(II) sulfate and hydrogen. CuSO4 is blue in color. Hydrogen escapes as gas.
- Phenomena that occur
When the reaction occurs, we will see a clear phenomenon which is the color change. Initially, the color of the mixture is the reddish-brown of copper. When the reaction starts, the color gradually changes to the blue of copper(II) sulfate. In addition, we can also see hydrogen gas bubbles begin to escape from the solution.