Why Copper Cannot Displace Zinc from its Salt Solution?

What is Displacement Reaction?

A displacement reaction is a type of reaction in which an element from its ionic compound is replaced by a more reactive element. For example, when a zinc metal is placed in a solution of copper sulphate, zinc displaces the copper from its salt solution. Here, zinc is more reactive than copper and hence it displaces the copper from its salt solution.

Why Copper Cannot Displace Zinc from Its Salt Solution?

Copper is less reactive than zinc, so it cannot displace zinc from its salt solution. This is because zinc is a more active metal than copper and it has a higher tendency to displace other metals from their salt solutions. Copper, on the other hand, is a relatively less active metal and it does not have the same tendency to displace other metals from their salt solutions.

The Reactivity Series

The reactivity series is a list of elements in order of their reactivity. It is used to determine which element will displace another element from a solution. Generally, the more reactive an element is, the higher it is placed in the reactivity series. In this case, zinc is more reactive than copper and hence it is placed higher in the reactivity series. Therefore, zinc will displace copper from its salt solution.

Conclusion

In conclusion, copper cannot displace zinc from its salt solution because copper is less reactive than zinc. Zinc is a more active metal and it has a higher tendency to displace other metals from their salt solutions. The reactivity series is a list of elements in order of their reactivity and it is used to determine which element will displace another element from a solution.