Question

State which of the following reactions will take place or which will not, giving a suitable reason for each? 

Zn(s) + CuSO₄(aq) → ZnSO₄(aq) + Cu(s) 

Fe(s) + ZnSO₄(aq) → FeSO₄(aq) + Zn(s)

Answer 1

In the first reaction zinc is more reactive than copper and hence the above reaction is possible as zinc can replace copper from copper sulphate to form zinc sulphate. 

In the second reaction, it is known that iron is less reactive than zinc and hence iron cannot replace zinc from zinc sulphate.