Here's why:
* Iron is more reactive than zinc. This means iron can displace zinc from its compound.
* Zinc chloride (ZnCl₂) is a soluble salt. This allows the reaction to proceed in an aqueous solution.
The reaction equation is:
Fe(s) + ZnCl₂(aq) → FeCl₂(aq) + Zn(s)
What happens:
* Iron (Fe) reacts with zinc chloride (ZnCl₂) solution.
* Iron displaces zinc from the chloride compound.
* Iron chloride (FeCl₂) is formed, which is also soluble in water.
* Solid zinc (Zn) is deposited.
You will observe:
* The iron metal will start to dissolve.
* A gray/silver deposit of zinc metal will form on the surface of the iron.
Important Note: This reaction might be relatively slow at room temperature. You might need to heat the solution to speed up the reaction.
