Question

When the nail was copper-plated in Part III of the lab, what element do you think was reduced? Explain your answer in complete sentences.

Answer 1

\(\text{Fe(s) + Cu}^{2+} \to \text{ Cu(s) + Fe}^{2+}\)

What element is being reduced?


Remember, oxidation is a loss if electron while reduction is a gsin of electron. So find the oxidation numbers and figure out which element is being reduced.