Question

Can you store copper sulphate solution in a zinc pot?

Answer 1

No, we can not store copper sulphate solution in a zinc container because zinc is more reactive than copper, therefore reaction will take place.

Reactivity depends upon the oxidation potential of the elements which have been recorded with respect to Hydrogen.

The reactivity series is as follows:

Potassium(K)

Sodium(Na)

calcium(Ca)

Magnesium(Mg)

Aluminum(Al)

Carbon(C)

Zinc(Zn)

Iron(Fe)

Tin(Sn)

Lead(Pb)

Hydrogen(H)

Copper(Cu)

Silver(Ag)

Gold(Au)

This is the decreasing order of reactivity of different elements so the element which is present below the other element can not displace it from its salt solution but an element present above can displace the lower element from its salt solution.

As we can see zinc(Zn) is above the copper(Cu) in the reactivity series so zinc will displace copper from its solution. The reaction will be as follows:

$\mathrm{Zn}+{\mathrm{CuSO}}_4\to {\mathrm{ZnSO}}_4+\mathrm{Cu}$

This is the reason why we can not store copper sulphate in a zinc container.