Here's why:
* Iron is less reactive than copper. This means iron is less likely to lose electrons and form positive ions.
* Copper is more likely to be oxidized. It will readily lose electrons and form Cu²⁺ ions.
In a reaction, the more reactive metal will displace the less reactive metal from its compound. Since copper is more reactive than iron, it will displace iron from its compound (FeCl2).
The correct reaction is:
Cu + FeCl2 → CuCl2 + Fe
In this reaction, copper displaces iron from its chloride salt, forming copper chloride (CuCl2) and leaving behind elemental iron (Fe).