What is the observed result of the reaction between copper and sulfuric acid?

Study for the IGCSE Edexcel Chemistry Test. Access flashcards and multiple choice questions with hints and explanations. Get ready for your exam!

Multiple Choice

What is the observed result of the reaction between copper and sulfuric acid?

Explanation:
Metals can displace hydrogen from acids only if the metal is more reactive than hydrogen. Copper is less reactive than hydrogen, so it cannot reduce the hydrogen ions from sulfuric acid. With dilute sulfuric acid, this means no reaction occurs—no hydrogen gas evolves and no copper salt forms under typical conditions. (Using hot, concentrated sulfuric acid changes things, but that’s a different scenario.)

Metals can displace hydrogen from acids only if the metal is more reactive than hydrogen. Copper is less reactive than hydrogen, so it cannot reduce the hydrogen ions from sulfuric acid. With dilute sulfuric acid, this means no reaction occurs—no hydrogen gas evolves and no copper salt forms under typical conditions. (Using hot, concentrated sulfuric acid changes things, but that’s a different scenario.)

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