Question

Identify the type of reaction.

$\mathrm{Zn}+{\mathrm{FeSO}}_4\to {\mathrm{ZnSO}}_4+\mathrm{Fe}$

Answer 1

Metal displacement reaction.

Definition of displacement reaction.

• When an element displaces another element in a compound is called displacement reaction.
• When a more reactive metal displaces less reactive metal from its salt solution is called metal displacement reaction.
• It is represented as AB+C $\to$CB +A

$\mathrm{Zn}\left(\mathrm{s}\right)+{\mathrm{FeSO}}_4\left(\mathrm{aq}\right)\to {\mathrm{ZnSO}}_4\left(\mathrm{aq}\right)+\mathrm{Fe}\left(\mathrm{s}\right)$

• When Zinc dipped in Ferrous sulphate solution, green colour of the solution turns to colourless.
• This is due to the formation of Zinc sulphate.
• According to metal reactivity series, Zinc (Zn) is more reactive than Iron(Fe).
• Hence Zinc displaces Iron from Ferrous sulphate solution.
• Here more reactive element displaces less reactive form their solution.
• So this is an example for metal displacement reaction.