The above equation represents the chemical reaction between zinc (Zn) and potassium dichromate (K2CrO4) to form zinc dichromate (ZnCr2O7) and potassium (K). This is a redox reaction where zinc is oxidized from an oxidation state of 0 to +2 and the chromate ion (CrO4 2-) is reduced from an oxidation state of +6 to +3.
- Reaction conditions:
This reaction requires high temperature to occur.
- Reaction process:
Zinc, upon contact with potassium dichromate, is oxidized to form zinc dichromate. During this process, the CrO4 2- ion of potassium dichromate is also reduced.
- Phenomena that occur:
When the reaction occurs, the color of the mixture changes from the yellow of potassium dichromate to the orange of zinc dichromate. If the temperature is high enough, potassium will escape in the form of gas.