Chapter 21.1, Problem 7LC

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation: The reaction when a strip of copper is dipped into iron (II) sulfate needs to be explained.

Concept Introduction: In an electrochemical process, a redox reaction takes place. Here, two half-reactions occur where in one reaction oxidation takes place and in the other reaction, reduction takes place. The sum of these two-half reactions gives the overall reaction for the process.

Whether a metal can reduce other metals from its solution or not can be determined by its reduction electrode potential. The metal with a high reduction electrode potential cannot reduce the metal with a low reduction electrode potential.

Explanation of Solution

The reduction electrode potential for copper is 0.34 V and that for iron is -0.45 V. Here, the reduction electrode potential for copper is more thus, reduction of copper takes place and oxidation of iron takes place. Thus, copper cannot reduce iron from its solution.

Therefore, when the strip of copper is dipped into iron (II) sulfate, no reaction takes place.