NIOS Class 10 Science and Technology Activity 4.5 Chemical Reactions and Equations

In this activity 4.5 of science and technology (212), we will discuss the displacement reaction between iron and copper sulphate solution.

NIOS Class 10 Science and Technology Project File

This activity is based on the NIOS class 10 science and technology chapter 4, Chemical Reactions and Equations

Aim of the activity

 To observe chemical change during a displacement reaction

Materials Required

   1. Copper sulphate solution

   2. Two test tubes (labelled A and B)

   3. Two iron nails

   4. Sandpaper

   5. Thread

   6.  Test tube stand

Procedure

We take two clean test tubes and label them as "A" and "B". Now we pour 10 mL of dilute copper sulphate solution into each. We take two iron nails and clean them with sandpaper, and suspend one nail in test tube A.

We keep the test tube B in the test tube stand and keep one iron nail outside the test tube.

We observe the changes after 20 minutes.

Observation

   1.  The blue colour of the copper sulphate solution in test tube A fades (turns green).

   2. The iron nail in test tube A develops a brownish coating on its surface.

   3. The blue colour of copper sulphate in test tube B remains the same.

Explanation

When an iron nail is immersed in copper sulphate solution, iron reacts with copper sulphate to form ferrous sulphate, and copper is deposited on the iron nail.

Iron is more reactive than copper, so it displaces copper from its salt solution.

Fe + CuSO₄ → FeSO₄ + Cu

 Conclusion

This activity confirms that iron is more reactive than copper, so it displaces copper from its salt.

Frequently Asked Questions

   1. What is the original colour of copper sulphate solution?

Answer- Blue

   2. What is the brown substance formed on the nail?

Answer – Copper metal

   3. What type of chemical reaction takes place in this activity?

Answer – Displacement reaction

   4. What is the substance formed in the solution?

Answer – Ferrous sulphate 

   5. Write another example of a displacement reaction.

Answer – Zn + CuSO₄ →ZnSO₄  + Cu