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Question

A student places a piece of metal X into a solution of $ZnSO_4$.  No reaction is observed.  The student then places a piece of metal X into a solution of $CuSO_4$. A reaction occurs, and a reddish-brown solid forms.  Where would metal X most likely be placed in the reactivity series?

Mr. S M HUSSAIN · Accepted Answer

## CORE INFORMATION
✓ **Answer**: Option C
## CONCEPT FRAMEWORK
 **Primary Concept**: Reactivity series of metals
 **Related Topics**: Redox reactions, displacement reactions
 **Prerequisites**: Understanding of reactivity series and single displacement reactions.
## SOLUTION PATHWAY
**Given Information**:
  * Metal X is placed in $ZnSO_4$ solution: No reaction.
  * Metal X is placed in $CuSO_4$ solution: Reaction occurs, reddish-brown solid (copper) forms.
  [Important conditions]: The reddish-brown solid indicates that copper has been displaced from the solution by metal X.
**Method & Steps**:
 1. Analyze the reaction with $ZnSO_4$: No reaction implies that metal X is less reactive than Zinc (Zn).
  Reasoning:  A more reactive metal would displace Zinc from its salt solution. Since no reaction occurred, X is less reactive than Zn.
  Formula/Rule:  General displacement reaction: $A + BC ightarrow AC + B$ (where A is more reactive than B)
 2. Analyze the reaction with $CuSO_4$: A reaction occurs with the formation of a reddish-brown solid (copper), indicating that metal X is more reactive than copper (Cu).
  Working: The reaction can be represented as: $X + CuSO_4 ightarrow XSO_4 + Cu$
  Key Point: The formation of copper metal confirms that X displaced copper from the solution, meaning X is more reactive.
 3. Determine the position of X in the reactivity series:
  Result: Since X is less reactive than Zn but more reactive than Cu, it must be placed between Zn and Cu in the reactivity series.
  Verification: This conclusion aligns with the observed experimental results.
 ## OPTION ANALYSIS
[A] Above Zn :x:  This contradicts the observation that no reaction occurred with $ZnSO_4$.
[B] Below Cu :x: This contradicts the observation that a reaction occurred with $CuSO_4$, forming copper metal.
[C] Between Zn and Cu ✓: This aligns perfectly with the experimental observations. Metal X's reactivity is intermediate between Zinc and Copper.
[D] Above both Zn and Cu :x: This is inconsistent with the lack of reaction observed with $ZnSO_4$.
 ## LEARNING AIDS
 **Common Mistakes**:
  1.Misinterpreting the lack of reaction:  Students might mistakenly assume that no reaction means X is highly reactive.
  [How to avoid]: Carefully consider what a lack of reaction implies in the context of the reactivity series.
  2.Ignoring the product formed:  Failing to identify the reddish-brown solid as copper leads to incorrect conclusions.
  [How to avoid]: Pay attention to the physical changes observed during the experiment.
 **Quick Tips**:
  1.Use the reactivity series as a guide to predict the outcome of displacement reactions.
  2.Remember that a more reactive metal will displace a less reactive metal from its salt solution.

Mr. S M HUSSAIN · Answer

Above Zn

Mr. S M HUSSAIN · Answer

Below Cu

Mr. S M HUSSAIN · Answer

The correct Option is "Between Zn and Cu"

Mr. S M HUSSAIN · Answer

Above both Zn and Cu

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