* Aluminum is more reactive than copper. Aluminum is higher on the reactivity series than copper. This means it has a stronger tendency to lose electrons.
* Aluminum displaces copper. The aluminum atoms will react with the copper chloride, donating electrons to copper ions (Cu²⁺) and forming aluminum chloride (AlCl₃). The copper ions gain electrons and are reduced to copper metal (Cu).
* Visible changes: You'll observe several changes:
* The solution will turn a greenish color as copper chloride is used up and aluminum chloride is formed.
* A reddish-brown precipitate of copper metal will form at the bottom of the container.
* The aluminum metal will start to dissolve as it gets oxidized.
Here's the chemical equation for the reaction:
2 Al(s) + 3 CuCl₂(aq) → 2 AlCl₃(aq) + 3 Cu(s)
In summary:
* Aluminum reacts with copper chloride.
* Aluminum replaces copper in the solution.
* Copper metal precipitates out of the solution.
* Aluminum chloride forms in the solution.
