$$Zn+CuSO_4\rightarrow ZnSO_4+Cu$$$$ZnSO_4+Cu\rightarrow CuSO_4+Zn$$
Why might one of the above reactions work, and the other not?

Question

$$Zn+CuSO_4\rightarrow ZnSO_4+Cu$$$$ZnSO_4+Cu\rightarrow CuSO_4+Zn$$
Why might one of the above reactions work, and the other not?

anonymous · Answer

@thomaster

***[isuru]*** · Answer

Hi,
  Do u know about the reactivity  series  of metals ???

anonymous · Answer

nope

***[isuru]*** · Answer

Google it... It's the base for this...
      metals can be categorize according to their tendency to react....
that series is reactivity series ..
     metals on the top of the series r highly reactive while ones on the bottom almost never reacts..
      the series is as follow...
          |dw:1381066310755:dw|

***[isuru]*** · Answer

so.....
        ya can c that 
                 Zn is above Cu
 which means Zink is more reactive than Copper

anonymous · Answer

I see o.o

***[isuru]*** · Answer

As a result Zn can displace the SO4 part bonded to the Cu 
  but Cu cant displace the SO4 part bonded to Zn ....

anonymous · Answer

Oh it makes a lot of sense now, I get it....thanks, man!

***[isuru]*** · Answer

so...
      first one will happen while the second is kinda imposible...

***[isuru]*** · Answer

u r welcome !!