Chemical reaction: Cu(s)+2H+(aq)--> Cu2+ (aq) + H2 (g)

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around a chemical reaction involving copper and hydrogen ions, specifically the equation Cu(s) + 2H+(aq) → Cu2+(aq) + H2(g). Participants are exploring whether this reaction occurs, its classification, and the underlying chemical principles.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants question the existence of the reaction and whether it qualifies as a displacement reaction. Some express confusion about the oxidation states and the reactivity series, while others discuss the implications of copper's oxidizing power and the nature of redox reactions.

Discussion Status

The discussion is active, with various interpretations being explored. Some participants provide insights into the reaction's feasibility and classification, while others express uncertainty about their chemistry knowledge. There is no explicit consensus on the reaction's validity or classification.

Contextual Notes

Participants mention a lack of familiarity with oxidation-reduction reactions and the reactivity series, which may influence their understanding of the topic.

primarygun
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Chemical reaction: Cu(s)+2H+(aq)----> Cu2+ (aq) + H2 (g)

Cu(s)+2H+(aq)----> Cu2+ (aq) + H2 (g)
Do we have this reaction?
If yes, is it a displacement reaction?
If no, is something about the oxiding power of particles?
Could you explain it to me ?
Best regards
 
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I see no reaction here at all! You start with separate Copper and Hydrogen and you end with separate Copper and Hydrogen. Are you counting 2Cu--> Cu2 and 2H--> H2 as "reactions"?
 
It's an ionic equation! Actually, it is supposed to like this:

2Cu (s) + 2H+ (aq) = Cu2+ (aq) + H2 (g)

I can't exactly recall where I've seen this.
 
Last edited:
Does this reaction exist?
 
Isn't copper being oxidized?

Is this not an oxidation-reduction reaction?

Am I really that bad at chemistry?

:smile:
 
In my mind, I'm quite sure it is not a displacement reaction.
Hydrogen is above copper in the reactivity series.
I haven't learned any oxid redox reaction so far, so I want to consult about the concept of it.
Less reactive still can reduce more reactive metal in redox reaction?
 
I don't think this reaction is possible.

Copper metal will not oxidize when put in H+ ions, it will reduce because it is a stronger oxidizing agent.

The two half-cells:

Cu2+ + 2e- -> Cu
H2 -> 2H+ + 2e-

And together:

Cu2+ + H2 -> Cu + 2H+

This reaction WILL occur, the one you gave WILL NOT.

Take my info with a grain of salt though. I do Physics/Astronomy, not Chemistry. But I do have a background in chem, so I'm not clueless.
 
Cu2+ + H2 -> Cu + 2H+
Ya! This is a displacement reaction!
 
primarygun said:
Ya! This is a displacement reaction!

I've never heard it referred to as that, but if that's what your teacher calls it, ok.
 

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