Question

Given that the following reaction occurs and goes to completion, which of the following statements is false?

Zn(s) + Cu(NO₃)₂(aq) → Cu(s) +Zn(NO₃)₂(aq)
a) Zinc is oxidized.
b) Copper is reduced.
c) Copper is the limiting reactant.
d) Zinc nitrate is formed.

Answer 1

In the given reaction Zn(s) + Cu(NO₃)₂(aq) → Cu(s) + Zn(NO₃)₂(aq), zinc is oxidized, copper is reduced, copper is not the limiting reactant, and zinc nitrate is formed.

Step-by-step explanation:

The given reaction is: Zn(s) + Cu(NO₃)₂(aq) → Cu(s) + Zn(NO₃)₂(aq). From this reaction, we can determine the following:

1. Zinc is oxidized: In the reactants, zinc is in its elemental form (Zn(s)), and in the products, it is present as Zn²+ ions (Zn(NO₃)₂(aq)). This indicates that zinc has lost electrons and has been oxidized.
2. Copper is reduced: In the reactants, copper is present as Cu²+ ions (Cu(NO₃)₂(aq)), and in the products, it is in its elemental form (Cu(s)). This indicates that copper has gained electrons and has been reduced.
3. Copper is not the limiting reactant: The limiting reactant is the reactant that is completely consumed and determines the amount of product formed. In this reaction, zinc is the limiting reactant because once it is completely consumed, the reaction stops. Therefore, statement c) is false.
4. Zinc nitrate is formed: The product Zn(NO₃)₂(aq) indicates the formation of zinc nitrate. Therefore, statement d) is true.