Explain why a polystyrene cup is used and write the ionic equation for the reaction between zinc and copper…

Question

Explain why a polystyrene cup is used and write the ionic equation for the reaction between zinc and copper (II) sulfate.

ScanSolve AI Tutor · Accepted Answer

a) A polystyrene cup was used instead of a glass beaker because polystyrene is a good thermal insulator. This minimizes heat loss to the surroundings, ensuring that the measured temperature change is as accurate as possible for determining the heat of reaction.

b) The reaction is between zinc metal and copper (II) sulfate solution.

Write the balanced molecular equation.
$\text{Zn(s)} + \text{CuSO}_4\text{(aq)} \rightarrow \text{ZnSO}_4\text{(aq)} + \text{Cu(s)}$
Write the full ionic equation by dissociating aqueous ionic compounds.
$\text{Zn(s)} + \text{Cu}^{2+}\text{(aq)} + \text{SO}_4^{2-}\text{(aq)} \rightarrow \text{Zn}^{2+}\text{(aq)} + \text{SO}_4^{2-}\text{(aq)} + \text{Cu(s)}$
Identify and cancel out spectator ions (ions that appear unchanged on both sides).
In this case, $\text{SO}_4^{2-}\text{(aq)}$ is the spectator ion.
Write the net ionic equation.
$\boxed{\text{Zn(s)} + \text{Cu}^{2+}\text{(aq)} \rightarrow \text{Zn}^{2+}\text{(aq)} + \text{Cu(s)}}$

Explain why a polystyrene cup is used and write the ionic equation for the reaction between zinc and copper (II) sulfate.

Step-by-step solution

Write the balanced molecular equation.

Write the full ionic equation by dissociating aqueous ionic compounds.

Identify and cancel out spectator ions (ions that appear unchanged on both sides).

Write the net ionic equation.

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