Question

Iron (Fe) reacts with copper sulfate (CuSO4) to form iron (II) sulfate. In this reaction, Cu2+ gains electrons to form Cu. Which statement is true about this reaction?

Fe(s) + CuSO4(aq) → FeSO4(aq) + Cu(s)

A.) Cu undergoes decomposition.

B.) Cu undergoes oxidation.

C.) Cu undergoes reduction.

D.) Cu undergoes combustion.

Answer 1

C. Cu undergoes reduction.

Answer 2

Answer: C.) Cu undergoes reduction.

Explanation:

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

I) Oxidation reaction : involves loss of electrons and there is an increase in oxidation state number.

`Fe\rightarrow Fe^(2+)+2e^-`

Fe metal has undergone oxidation, as its oxidation state is changing from 0 to +2 in
`FeSO_4`.

ii) Reduction reaction : involves gain of electrons and there is a decrease in oxidation state number.

`Cu^(2+)+2e^-\rightarrow Cu`

Copper(II) ion has undergone reduction, as its oxidation state is changing from 2+ to 0. Copper ions are getting converted into copper metal.