# Copper can be displaced from copper sulfate solution by adding zinc metal. In this reaction, zinc atoms lose electrons and copper ions gain electrons. Explain what is meant by oxidation and reduction in terms of electron transfer, and use this to identify which substance is oxidised and which is reduced in this reaction.

> Eduqas A-Level Chemistry — 1.8 Redox · Explain · 5 marks

> When zinc metal is added to blue copper sulfate solution, the blue colour fades and a reddish-brown solid forms. The ionic equation for this reaction is: Zn + Cu²⁺ → Zn²⁺ + Cu

## Mark scheme (5 marks)

1. Oxidation is the loss of electrons
2. Reduction is the gain of electrons
3. Zinc is oxidised
4. Because zinc atoms lose electrons (to form Zn²⁺)
5. Copper ions (Cu²⁺) are reduced because they gain electrons (to form Cu atoms)

## Key terms

- [oxidation](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/oxidation)
- [reduction](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/reduction)
- [electron transfer](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/electron-transfer)

## Related

- [Revision notes for Eduqas A-Level Chemistry](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/learn)
- [How to answer "Explain" questions](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/tools/command-word-cheatsheet)
- [Practice this with AI marking (free)](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/start)

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Source: [GradeNine](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/q/copper-can-be-displaced-from-copper-4e654afa) · Published by Druglandscape Ltd.