Question

You are provide with two containers made up of copper and aluminium. You are also provided with solution of dilute $HCl$, dilute ${HNO}_3$, ${ZnCl}_2$ and $H_{2}O$. In which of the above containers these solution can be kept?

Answer 1

$\underset{–}{\text{Explanation}}:$

$i)$

$I.$ $Cu+\text{dil}HCl⟶$No reaction, So, dil $HCl$ can be stored.

$II.$ $2Al+6HCl⟶2AlC{l}_3+3H_2$, so dil $HCl$ can not be stored in Aluminium container.

$ii)$

$I.$ Dil $HN{O}_3$ is a strong oxidising agent.

$C{u}_{\left(s\right)}+8HN{O}_3\left(dil\right)⟶3Cu(N{O}_3{)}_{2\left(aq\right)}+2N{O}_{\left(g\right)}+4H_{2}O$

So, It can not be stored in $Cu$ container.

$II.$When dil $HN{O}_3$ is kept in $Al$ container, it forms a protective layer of Aluminium oxide on it inactive towards action with acid, therefore it can be kept in $Al$ container.

$iii)$

$I.$ Copper doesn't react with $ZnC{l}_2$ as copper is less reactive than $Zn$. Hence, $ZnC{l}_2$ can be kept in $Cu$ container.

$II.$ $2Al+3ZnC{l}_2⟶2AlC{l}_3+3Zn$, Hence $ZnC{l}_2$ cannot be kept in $Al$ container.

$iv)$ $H_{2}O$ does not react with $Cu$ and $Al$, so it can be kept in both containers.