# When zinc powder is added to copper sulfate solution, the blue colour of the solution fades and an orange-brown solid is deposited on the zinc. Explain why this reaction is a chemical change and not a physical change.

> Eduqas GCSE Chemistry — C4 Chemical changes · Explain · 4 marks

> Zinc powder is added to copper sulfate solution. Over time, the blue colour of the solution fades and an orange-brown solid appears.

## Mark scheme (4 marks)

1. New substances are formed in the reaction
2. The orange-brown solid is copper, which is a new substance not present at the start
3. The change is irreversible / cannot be easily reversed
4. In a physical change no new substances are formed / the change can be reversed, but this reaction does not meet those criteria

## Key terms

- [chemical change](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/chemical-change)
- [physical change](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/physical-change)

## Related

- [Revision notes for Eduqas GCSE Chemistry](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/learn)
- [How to answer "Explain" questions](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/tools/command-word-cheatsheet)
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