Question

"Why is the following reaction classified as a single displacement reaction?

FeSO₄ (aq) + Zn (s) → ZnSO₄(aq) + Fe (s)
iron sulfate + zinc → zinc sulfate + iron
Describe what happens to the iron, zinc and sulfate during the reaction."

Answer 1

The reaction FeSO₄ (aq) + Zn (s) → ZnSO₄(aq) + Fe (s) is a single displacement reaction where zinc displaces iron in the iron sulfate compound, resulting in the formation of zinc sulfate and elemental iron.

Step-by-step explanation:

The reaction FeSO₄ (aq) + Zn (s) → ZnSO₄(aq) + Fe (s) is classified as a single displacement reaction because the zinc metal displaces the iron from the iron sulfate compound. Zinc is above iron in the activity series, which means it is more reactive. During the reaction, the zinc replaces the iron in the iron sulfate, forming zinc sulfate and elemental iron. The equation for the reaction is:

FeSO₄ (aq) + Zn (s) → ZnSO₄ (aq) + Fe (s)