Chemistry: Net ionic equation of Fe,Cu,Zn with HCL

In summary, the student is conducting an experiment on reactivity series and needs to write the net ionic equation for the reaction between iron, copper, and zinc with nitric acid. They noticed that copper, which is lower on the reactivity series, reacted with nitric acid and turned the solution blue. They are asking for help in balancing the redox reaction and providing the ionic equations for each metal's reaction with nitric acid and hydrochloric acid.
  • #1
wyeyip
1
0

Homework Statement


im given an experiment on reactivity series and required to write net ionic equation in the results.. I am kinda stuck in this reaction.. between this 3 metal.. iron, copper, and zinc.. reacting with nitric acid..


Homework Equations


the reaction was carried out with HCL also.. and these are the ionic equations i get.
Fe + 2 H+ = Fe + H₂
no reaction for copper.
Zn + 2 H+ = Zn + H₂

The Attempt at a Solution


well.. as far as i know.. copper won't react with nitric acid.. cos Cu is lower than H in the reactivity series.. but during experiment.. the Cu reacted and the solution turn blue.. this means copper is reacted.. so I am lost now..

can anyone give the solution for it?? the ionic equations..
 
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  • #2
It's a redox reaction.
NO3− + 2 H+ + e− ⇄ NO2 + H2O E=+0.80V
Cu2+ + 2 e− ⇄ Cu(s) E=+0.34V
Hence, the nitrate ion is able to oxidise the Cu to Cu2+ ion.
 
  • #3
Balancing redox reactions can be a little bit tricky - but is perfectly doable.
 

1. What is a net ionic equation?

A net ionic equation is a chemical equation that only shows the species and ions that are involved in a chemical reaction. It excludes spectator ions, which are ions that do not participate in the reaction.

2. Why is it important to write net ionic equations?

Writing net ionic equations allows us to focus on the essential components of a chemical reaction and better understand the changes that occur at the molecular level. It also helps to simplify complex reactions and identify the species that are responsible for the observed changes.

3. How do you write a net ionic equation?

To write a net ionic equation, first write the balanced molecular equation for the reaction. Then, identify and cancel out any spectator ions on both sides of the equation. The remaining species and ions are included in the net ionic equation.

4. Can you provide an example of a net ionic equation?

Sure, for the reaction between hydrochloric acid (HCl) and iron (Fe), the net ionic equation would be: Fe(s) + 2H+(aq) → Fe2+(aq) + H2(g). This shows the formation of iron(II) ions and the release of hydrogen gas, while omitting the spectator ions Cl-(aq) and H+(aq).

5. What is the purpose of including HCl in the net ionic equation of Fe, Cu, and Zn?

HCl is a strong acid that provides the H+ ions necessary for the reaction to occur. In the net ionic equation, it is shown as an aqueous solution (H+(aq)) to indicate that it is a source of these ions, but it is not actually involved in the chemical change itself.

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