Copper metal reacts with hot concentrated sulfuric acid solution to form aqueous copper (II) sulfate, sulfur dioxide gas and water. What type of reaction is this?
The given reaction between copper metal and hot concentrated sulfuric acid is an example of a single displacement or substitution reaction. Specifically, it is a redox reaction (short for oxidation-reduction reaction) as the copper undergoes oxidation and sulfur undergoes reduction.
To determine the type of reaction, you can break down the reaction and examine the changes that occur. Here's how to do it:
1. Identify the reactants and products:
- Reactants: Copper metal (Cu) and sulfuric acid (H2SO4)
- Products: Copper (II) sulfate (CuSO4), sulfur dioxide gas (SO2), and water (H2O)
2. Write the balanced chemical equation:
Cu + H2SO4 → CuSO4 + SO2 + H2O
3. Analyze the reaction:
In this reaction, the copper metal (Cu) displaces the hydrogen (H) in the sulfuric acid (H2SO4) to form copper (II) sulfate (CuSO4), sulfur dioxide gas (SO2), and water (H2O).
The copper atoms in the copper metal lose electrons and undergo oxidation, changing from an oxidation state of 0 to +2 in copper (II) sulfate (CuSO4). Therefore, copper is the reducing agent.
On the other hand, sulfur in the sulfuric acid gains electrons, reducing from an oxidation state of +6 to +4 in sulfur dioxide (SO2). Thus, sulfuric acid acts as the oxidizing agent.
Overall, the reaction can be classified as a single displacement or substitution reaction, where copper and hydrogen exchange places in the reactants to form new compounds.
The reaction between copper metal and sulfuric acid is an oxidation-reduction (redox) reaction. In this reaction, copper metal is oxidized and loses electrons, while sulfuric acid is reduced and gains electrons. Specifically, copper metal (Cu) is oxidized to copper (II) ions (Cu²⁺) and sulfuric acid (H₂SO₄) is reduced to sulfur dioxide (SO₂). Therefore, this reaction is classified as a redox reaction.
This is an oxidation-reduction (redox) equation/reaction.
Cu + H2SO4 ==> CuSO4 + SO2 + H2O (not balanced).
Cu is oxidized in going from zero to +2 oxidation state, S is reduced in going from +6 in SO4^2- to +4 in SO2. Note that one of the SO4^2- doesn't change.