The Reaction:
When you place a piece of magnesium metal into a copper sulfate solution, the following reaction occurs:
Mg(s) + CuSO₄(aq) → MgSO₄(aq) + Cu(s)
Explanation:
1. Magnesium is more reactive than copper: Magnesium is higher on the reactivity series than copper. This means it is more likely to lose electrons and form positive ions.
2. Displacement: Magnesium atoms (Mg) displace the copper ions (Cu²⁺) from the copper sulfate solution (CuSO₄).
3. Formation of Magnesium Sulfate: The magnesium ions (Mg²⁺) then combine with sulfate ions (SO₄²⁻) to form magnesium sulfate (MgSO₄), which dissolves in the water.
4. Copper Deposition: The displaced copper ions (Cu²⁺) gain electrons and become solid copper atoms (Cu), which coat the magnesium metal.
Observations:
* Blue Copper Sulfate Solution Turns Clear: The blue color of the copper sulfate solution comes from the copper ions (Cu²⁺). As the copper ions are displaced and form solid copper, the solution loses its blue color and becomes clear.
* Magnesium Develops a Coating: The solid copper atoms deposited on the magnesium metal form a reddish-brown coating.
In summary: The reaction is driven by the greater reactivity of magnesium, leading to the displacement of copper ions from the solution and the formation of a copper coating on the magnesium.
