Question

You want to store a freshly made solution of copper sulphate. You have 4 options with you. Which of these is preferable to ensure that the solution remains intact?
Reduction potentials:
$Z{n}^{2+}/Zn=-0.76$
$M{g}^{2+}/Mg=-2.37$
$C{u}^{2+}/Cu=0.34$
$A{g}^{+}/Ag=0.8$
$S{n}^{2+}/Sn=0.16$

• A. Zinc vessel
• B. Magnesium vessel
• C. Tin vessel
• D. Silver vessel

Answer 1

The correct option is D Silver vessel

The goal is to keep the copper ions in solution. So the metal should not displace copper ions. In terms of reduction potentials, the more positive the potential is, the higher that metal's tendency would be to stay out of the solution.
Reduction potential of $A{g}^{+}/Ag=0.8$ is higher than $C{u}^{2+}/Cu=0.34$ thus, copper sulphate can be stored in silver vessel.