Question

Iron can liberate $H_2$ from dil. $H_2{SO}_4$ but copper cannot liberate $H_2$ from dil. $H_2{SO}_4$.
Why?

• A. Fe is more reactive than hydrogen.
• B. Fe is less reactive than hydrogen.
• C. Cu is less reactive than hydrogen.
• D. Cu is more reactive than hydrogen.

Answer 1

Answer: (A), (C)

Cu is less reactive than hydrogen.

Iron can liberate $H_2$ from dil. $H_2{SO}_4$ but copper cannot liberate $H_2$ from dil. $H_2{SO}_4$. This happens because $Fe$ is more reactive than hydrogen. It can thus displace hydrogen from sulphuric acid and form iron sulphate. Whereas copper is less reactive than hydrogen so, it cannot displace hydrogen from sulphuric acid.