What type of reaction is #Zn + CuCl_2 -> Cu + ZnCl_2#?

1 Answer
anor277
Apr 22, 2016

This is a redox reaction in which the oxidation states of the metals clearly change.

Explanation:

Zinc metal is oxidized to #Zn^(2+)#, whereas #Cu^(2+)# (as cupric chloride) is reduced to copper metal.

We can write the individual redox equations:

# Cu^(2+) + 2e^(-)rarrCu(s) #

#Zn(s) rarr Zn^(2+)+ 2e^(-) #

A zinc electrode placed in a blue solution of #Cu^(2+)(aq)# would rapidly acquire a copper coating, meanwhile the colour of the solution would fade as the copper precipitates.

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