Question

Solid zinc is added to aqueous cobalt chloride. Using the metal activity series, which chemical equation reflects this reaction and its outcome?

A. 2Zn (s) + 3CoCI2 (aq) —> 2ZnCl2 (aq) + 3Co (s)
B. 2ZnCl2 (aq) + 3Co (s) —> 3CoCI2 (aq) + 2Zn (s)
C. Zn (s) + CoCI2 (aq) —> ZnCl2 (aq) + Co (s)
D. Zn (s) + CoCI2 (aq) —> NR

Answer 1

Option C. Zn(s) + CoCI2(aq) —> ZnCl2 (aq) + Co(s)

Step-by-step explanation:

The activity series of metals gives a clearer understanding of how metals displaces other metals in solution. Metals higher in the activity series will always displace those lower in the activity series.

Zinc, Zn is higher in the activity series than cobalt, Co. Therefore, zinc, Zn will displace cobalt, Co in any solution.

Considering the options given above, only option C. reflect the reaction and it is also balanced.

Zn(s) + CoCI2(aq) —> ZnCl2(aq) + Co(s)