# Copper, zinc and magnesium are three metals found in the reactivity series. A student places a strip of zinc into a solution of copper sulfate and observes a change. Explain what the student observes and why this reaction occurs, using the concept of displacement.

> Pearson Edexcel International GCSE Chemistry (4CH1) — 2.4 Reactivity series · Explain · 4 marks

> The reactivity series, in order from most reactive to least reactive, includes: magnesium, zinc, copper.

## Mark scheme (4 marks)

1. Zinc is more reactive than copper (or copper is less reactive than zinc)
2. A more reactive element displaces a less reactive element from its compound
3. A reddish/orange-brown solid (copper) is deposited on the zinc strip (or forms in solution)
4. The blue colour of the copper sulfate solution fades (as copper ions are removed from solution)

## Key terms

- [reactivity series](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/reactivity-series)
- [displacement](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/displacement)
- [copper sulfate](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/copper-sulfate)

## Related

- [Revision notes for Pearson Edexcel International GCSE Chemistry (4CH1)](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-zinc-and-magnesium-are-three-743fd3d3) · Published by Druglandscape Ltd.