* Magnesium (Mg) is more reactive than copper (Cu). This means magnesium has a stronger tendency to lose electrons and form positive ions.
* When magnesium is placed in a solution of copper sulfate (CuSO₄), the magnesium atoms will displace the copper ions (Cu²⁺) from the solution.
* Magnesium will react with the sulfate ions (SO₄²⁻) to form magnesium sulfate (MgSO₄), which dissolves in the water.
* The displaced copper ions will gain electrons and form copper metal (Cu), which will precipitate out of the solution as a reddish-brown solid.
The chemical equation for the reaction is:
Mg(s) + CuSO₄(aq) → MgSO₄(aq) + Cu(s)
Observations:
* The blue color of the copper sulfate solution will fade as the copper ions are replaced.
* A reddish-brown solid (copper metal) will form at the bottom of the container.
* The reaction is exothermic, meaning it releases heat and the solution will warm up slightly.
In summary:
The reaction between magnesium and copper sulfate is a classic example of a displacement reaction where a more reactive metal displaces a less reactive metal from its solution.
