Question

In the reaction of copper(II) sulfate with iron, what species is oxidized?

            CuSO₄ (aq) + Fe (s) →→ Cu (s) + FeSO₄ (aq)

a. Cu²⁺ in CuSO₄

b. Fe (s)

c. Cu (s)

d. Fe²⁺ in FeSO₄

In the reaction of copper(II) sulfate with iron, what species is the oxidizing agent?

            CuSO₄ (aq) + Fe (s) →→ Cu (s) + FeSO₄ (aq)

a. CuSO₄

b. Fe (s)

c. Cu (s)

d. FeSO₄

Answer 1

In the reaction of copper(II) sulfate with iron, the species that oxidized is:

            CuSO₄ (aq) + Fe (s) →→ Cu (s) + FeSO₄ (aq)

In the above reaction, oxidation state of Cu in CuSO₄ is +2 and Fe oxidation state is zero. Both can react each other and forms Cu (oxidation state is zero)and FeSO₄ (oxidation staet of Fe is +2). We know that reduction is gain of electrons or addition of hydrogen and oxidation is loss of electrons or gain of oxygen.

In the above reaction the species that oxidised is Fe (oxidation state of Fe is changed from 0 to +2).

correct option is b).

In the reaction of copper(II) sulfate with iron, the oxidizing agent is:

            CuSO₄ (aq) + Fe (s) →→ Cu (s) + FeSO₄ (aq)

oxidizing agent is the species that gains electrons in the chemical reaction. In the above reaction the oxidizing agent is CuSO₄ .

correct option is a).