Question

What would you observe when zinc is added to a solution of iron (II) sulphate? Write the chemical reaction that takes place.

Answer 1

Displacement reaction:

• “When a more reactive element displaces another element from its compound, it is called displacement reaction.”

Reaction of Zinc with Iron ($\mathrm{II}$) sulphate:

• When Zinc reacts with Iron ($\mathrm{II}$) sulphate, it displaces iron from Iron ($\mathrm{II}$) sulphate and forms Zinc ($\mathrm{II}$) sulphate.
• A grey precipitate of iron is formed leaving behind a colourless solution of Zinc sulphate.

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