Question

What type of reaction is `Zn + CuCl_2 -> Cu + ZnCl_2`?

Answer 1

This is a redox reaction in which the oxidation states of the metals clearly change.

Explanation:

Zinc metal is oxidized to `Zn^(2+)`, whereas `Cu^(2+)` (as cupric chloride) is reduced to copper metal.

We can write the individual redox equations:

`Cu^(2+) + 2e^(-)rarrCu(s)`

`Zn(s) rarr Zn^(2+)+ 2e^(-)`

A zinc electrode placed in a blue solution of `Cu^(2+)(aq)` would rapidly acquire a copper coating, meanwhile the colour of the solution would fade as the copper precipitates.