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Examoogle • User • info@examoogle.com • EE-2024-8821
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In the reaction Zn + CuSO₄ → ZnSO₄ + Cu, which substance is being oxidized?
Zn
CuSO₄
ZnSO₄
Cu
Zn
In the given chemical reaction, Zinc (Zn) is oxidized because it loses electrons to form Zinc ions (Zn2+). Oxidation is defined as the process involving the loss of electrons or an increase in the oxidation state of an element.
In the given chemical reaction, Zinc (Zn) is oxidized because it loses electrons to form Zinc ions (Zn2+). Oxidation is defined as the process involving the loss of electrons or an increase in the oxidation state of an element.
Think of oxidation like a person giving away their possessions; just as Zn 'gives away' electrons, it becomes 'poorer' in charge balance but is chemically termed as being oxidized.
OILRIG: Oxidation Is Loss (of electrons), Reduction Is Gain (of electrons).
Zn→Zn2++2e− — Oxidation half-reaction
Cu2++2e−→Cu — Reduction half-reaction
The reaction Zn+CuSO4→ZnSO4+Cu is a displacement reaction. Here, Zn (neutral atom) loses two electrons to become Zn2+ (oxidation), while Cu2+ ions from CuSO4 gain those two electrons to become neutral Cu (reduction). Since Zn undergoes the loss of electrons, it acts as the reducing agent and is itself oxidized.
Oxidation involves an increase in oxidation number.
The substance that gets oxidized acts as the reducing agent.
Displacement reactions are a subset of redox reactions.
Metals higher in the reactivity series displace metals lower in the series from their salt solutions.
Used in electroplating processes.
Fundamental for battery and fuel cell technology.
Galvanization of iron to prevent corrosion.
Extraction of metals from their ores.
Zinc oxidation state changes from 0 to +2.
Option B (CuSO₄) is incorrect because it is the oxidizing agent, not the substance being oxidized.
Option C (ZnSO₄) is a product of the reaction.
Option D (Cu) is the reduced product.
A is correct — Zinc undergoes oxidation by losing two electrons to become a zinc ion.
Always remember that in a redox reaction, the species that increases in oxidation state is oxidized, and the one that decreases is reduced; use the reactivity series to predict displacement.