Below are two chemical equations:
Zn (s) + CuSO4 (aq) → ZnSO4 (aq) + Cu (s)
Pb (s) + CuCl2 (aq) → PbCl2 (aq) + Cu (s)
Why does copper get separated from its compound form in both cases?
Show answer & explanation
Correct answer: D
Explanation
The correct answer is option 4 i.e. Zinc and Lead are more reactive than Copper.
In both reactions, copper is separated from its compound due to a single displacement reaction based on reactivity differences.
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In Zn + CuSO₄ → ZnSO₄ + Cu, zinc is more reactive than copper. Zinc displaces copper from copper sulfate, forming zinc sulfate and releasing copper.
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In Pb + CuCl₂ → PbCl₂ + Cu, lead is more reactive than copper. Lead displaces copper from copper chloride, producing lead chloride and freeing copper.
In general, a more reactive metal displaces a less reactive metal from its compound, which is why copper is separated in both cases.