In the reaction Zn + CuSO4 -> ZnSO4 + Cu, which element is oxi... | General Science MCQ | Examoogle

General ScienceScience

In the reaction Zn + CuSO₄ → ZnSO₄ + Cu, which element is oxidized?

Correct Answer

🔬 SC • Science Concept & PrincipleGeneral ScienceScience

Option A

Quick Summary:

In the displacement reaction $\text{Zn} + \text{CuSO}_4 \rightarrow \text{ZnSO}_4 + \text{Cu}$ , zinc ( $\text{Zn}$ ) loses electrons to form $\text{Zn}^{2+}$ ions. By definition, oxidation is the loss of electrons or an increase in oxidation state, so zinc is the element that undergoes oxidation. Therefore, Option A is the correct answer.

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🔬SCScience SolutionConcept & Principle

💡 Explanation

💡 Everyday Analogy (Real-World Intuition)

Think of zinc as a generous friend passing a heavy bag (electrons) to copper. By giving away the extra weight, zinc gets 'oxidized', allowing copper to become neutral 'reduced' metal.

🧠 Memory Mnemonic / Shortcut Aid

OIL RIG — Oxidation Is Loss (of electrons), Reduction Is Gain (of electrons).

🔢 Key Formulas

$\text{Zn} \rightarrow \text{Zn}^{2+} + 2e^-$ — Oxidation half-reaction (loss of electrons)

$\text{Cu}^{2+} + 2e^- \rightarrow \text{Cu}$ — Reduction half-reaction (gain of electrons)

⚙️ Working Principle

This single displacement redox reaction involves transfer of electrons driven by the relative reactivity of metals. Zinc has a lower reduction potential than copper, so it loses two electrons ( $\text{Zn} \rightarrow \text{Zn}^{2+} + 2e^-$ ) and gets oxidized, while copper ions receive two electrons ( $\text{Cu}^{2+} + 2e^- \rightarrow \text{Cu}$ ) and get reduced.

📌 Key Points

▸
Oxidation state of $\text{Zn}$ increases from $0$ in elemental zinc to $+2$ in $\text{ZnSO}_4$ .
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Zinc acts as the reducing agent because it reduces $\text{Cu}^{2+}$ while itself getting oxidized.
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The blue color of $\text{CuSO}_4$ solution fades as $\text{Cu}^{2+}$ ions get converted to reddish-brown copper metal.

🛠️ Applications / Uses

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Galvanic cells and electrochemical batteries operate on spontaneous displacement redox reactions.
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Extraction and purification of metals via electrometallurgy and chemical displacement.

🔄 Comparison Table

Feature	Option A	Option B
Definition	Loss of electrons / Increase in oxidation state	[object Object]

📊 Diagram / Illustration

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Feature

Option A

Option B

Definition

Loss of electrons / Increase in oxidation state

[object Object]

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