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.

Related questions
See all questions in Single Replacement Reactions
Impact of this question
31249 views around the world
You can reuse this answer
Creative Commons License