Answer the following : Identify the type of chemical reaction that takes place when a solution of copper sulphate reacts with iron.
Generated by claude-sonnet-4-6 · 2026-06-14 10:29 · grounding rag
Model Answer
When a solution of copper sulphate reacts with iron, a displacement reaction takes place.
Iron, being more reactive than copper, displaces copper from copper sulphate solution. The reaction is:
$$\text{Fe}(s) + \text{CuSO}_4(aq) \rightarrow \text{FeSO}_4(aq) + \text{Cu}(s)$$
The blue colour of copper sulphate solution fades and a brown deposit of copper forms on the iron nail.
Source: Chapter 1, Section 1.2.3 Displacement Reaction
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Explanation
- The examiner expects you to name the reaction type (displacement) and write the balanced equation — both are needed for full marks.
- Mentioning that iron is more reactive than copper explains why displacement occurs, which earns extra credit.
- The observable change (fading blue colour, brown copper deposit) is a bonus point often asked in activity-based questions.