Question

What is the net ionic equation for the reaction of solid iron with aqueous copper sulfate? (Hint: First use the activity series to write the formula unit equation!)

Answer 1

The net ionic equation for the reaction of solid iron with aqueous copper sulfate:

`Fe(s)+Cu^(2+)(aq)\rightarrow Fe^(2+)+(aq)+Cu(s)`

Step-by-step explanation:

Solid iron = Fe

Copper sulfate =
`CuSO_4`

`Fe(s)+CuSO_4(aq)\rightarrow FeSO_4(aq)+Cu(s)`

In an aqueous solution of copper sulfate we have copper (II) ions and sulfate ions.

`CuSO_4(aq)\rightarrow Cu^(2+)(aq)+SO_4^(2-)(aq)`

In an aqueous solution of ferrous sulfate we have ion (II) ions and sulfate ions.

`FeSO_4(aq)\rightarrow Fe^(2+)+(aq)+SO_4^(2-)(aq)`

`Fe(s)+Cu^(2+)(aq)+SO_4^(2-)(aq)\rightarrow Fe^(2+)+(aq)+SO_4^(2-)(aq)+Fe^(2+)+(aq)`

Cancelling out the common ions from both sides, we get the net ionic equation:

`Fe(s)+Cu^(2+)(aq)\rightarrow Fe^(2+)+(aq)+Cu(s)`

Answer 2

For the answer to the question above,
The reaction of solid iron with aqueous copper sulfate is an example of a single displacement type of reaction which exchanges only the cations of the element and the compound. In this case, the equation is

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