What happens when iron nails are placed in copper sulphate solution

Today we explore the chemical reaction that occurs when iron nails are placed in copper sulphate solution. This experiment is an example of a displacement reaction.

 

When the iron nails are placed in the copper sulphate solution, a displacement reaction occurs and forms iron (II) sulphate and metallic copper.

Displacement Reaction

The balanced chemical equation for the reaction

Fe(s) + CuSO4(aq) → Cu(s) + FeSO4(aq)

 

Iron is more reactive than copper so it displaces copper from the copper sulphate solution and form iron sulphate and the blue colour of the copper sulphate solution fade as the copper ions are removed from the solution.

 

At the same time, copper ions are reduced and deposited onto the surface of the iron nails, forming a thin layer of copper on iron nails.

 

In this reaction, the iron (Fe) is oxidized after losing electrons and iron ions (`Fe^(2+)`) are formed and remain in the solution as iron(II) sulphate (FeSO4). the copper ions (`Cu^(2+)`) are reduced, meaning they gain electrons. The copper ions are reduced to copper metal (Cu), which is deposited onto the surface of the iron nail.

    `Fe   →   Fe^2+    + 2e^-` 

    `CuSO_4   →     Cu^(2+)   +   SO_4^(2-)`

   `Fe^(2+)  + SO_4^(2-)  →FeSO_4`   

   `Cu^(2+)   +2e^-   →     Cu` 

 

 

So this is how the displacement reaction takes place when iron nails are dipped in the copper sulphate solution.

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^FAQs

   

   1.  Which chemical reaction takes place when iron nails are placed in copper sulphate solution?

Ans. – Displacement reaction takes place when iron nails are placed in a copper sulphate solution. Iron from iron nails displaces copper from copper sulphate solution.

   

    2.  What is the copper sulphate formula?

Ans.- CuSO₄

   

    3.  What is the iron sulphate formula?

Ans. – FeSO₄

   

    4.  Why does the colour of the solution change when iron nails are placed in copper sulphate solution?

Ans.-  Iron displaces copper from the copper sulphate solution and form iron sulphate that’s why the blue colour of the solution fades.

   

   5.  What is the chemical reaction that occurs when iron nails are placed in copper sulphate solution?

Ans. -

   

   6.  Can iron nails dissolve in copper sulphate solution?

Ans.-  No, iron nails cannot dissolve in a copper sulphate solution. the iron nails undergo a displacement reaction with the copper ions in the solution, where the copper ions are reduced and deposited onto the surface of the iron nails, forming a layer of copper on the iron nails. This process is called electroplating.

   

   7.  How long does it take for the iron nails to become coated with copper when placed in copper sulphate solution?

Ans.- This process can take a few hours to a few days for the iron nails to become fully coated with copper. Mostly it depends upon some factors like concentration of copper sulphate solution, amount of copper ions, temperature, the surface area of iron nails etc.

   8.  Can the process of placing iron nails in copper sulphate solution be used for electroplating?

Ans.- Yes, the process of placing iron nails in copper sulphate solution can be used for electroplating. This process is known as electrodeposition or electroplating. When  a direct electric current is passed through the copper sulphate solution containing the iron nails,  the copper ions in the solution t deposit onto the surface of the iron nails.

   

   9 .  Is it safe to handle copper sulphate solution?

Ans.-  copper sulphate is a poisonous substance so one must carefully handle copper sulphate solution.