When copper turnings (solid copper) are added to a solution of zinc sulfate (ZnSO4) with stirring, the following observations can be expected:
Displacement Reaction: Copper is higher in the reactivity series than zinc. Therefore, copper can displace zinc from its compound, resulting in a displacement reaction. The reaction can be represented as follows:
Cu (copper) + ZnSO4 (zinc sulfate) → Zn (zinc) + CuSO4 (copper sulfate)
Color Change: The initial solution of zinc sulfate is typically colorless. As the reaction proceeds, the copper turnings start to dissolve, and a new compound, copper sulfate (CuSO4), is formed. Copper sulfate is blue in color. Thus, the solution gradually changes from colorless to blue as the copper turnings react with the zinc sulfate.
Formation of Solid Deposits: During the reaction, solid zinc is formed as copper displaces the zinc from zinc sulfate. These solid zinc deposits may appear as fine particles or as a layer of sediment at the bottom of the container.
Gas Evolution: In some cases, when the reaction is vigorous, you may observe the evolution of gas bubbles. The gas produced is hydrogen gas (H2) resulting from the displacement of hydrogen ions (H+) from the copper sulfate solution by the more reactive metal, zinc.
It's important to note that the reaction rate may vary depending on factors such as the concentration of the zinc sulfate solution, the size and surface area of the copper turnings, and the temperature.