Q31
1 markMCQSection B

On adding a clean Aluminium strip to an aqueous solution of copper sulphate, it is observed that the colour of the solution changes from .

Metals and Non-metals
Chemical Properties of Metals

Options

(A)blue to colourless
(B)colourless to blue
(C)blue to green
(D)green to blue
Official Answer

A

AluminiumCopper sulphateDisplacementReactivity seriesBlue to colourless

Marking Scheme

  • 1Identification of displacement reaction based on reactivity series (0.5 marks)
  • 2Correct identification of colour change from blue (CuSO4CuSO_4) to colourless (Al2(SO4)3Al_2(SO_4)_3) (0.5 marks)

Hint

Check the position of Aluminium and Copper in the reactivity series. More reactive metals displace less reactive ones from their salt solutions.

Quick Oral Answer

Aluminium displaces copper from copper sulphate because it is higher in the reactivity series. The blue colour of copper sulphate is due to Cu2+Cu^{2+} ions; as these are replaced by Al3+Al^{3+} ions to form aluminium sulphate, the solution becomes colourless.

Analysis & Explanation

According to the Reactivity Series (Table 3.2), Aluminium (AlAl) is more reactive than Copper (CuCu). When an Aluminium strip is added to a blue-coloured aqueous solution of copper sulphate (CuSO4CuSO_4), a displacement reaction occurs as described in Section 3.2.4. Aluminium displaces copper to form aluminium sulphate (Al2(SO4)3Al_2(SO_4)_3), which is a colourless solution, and reddish-brown copper metal is deposited. The reaction is: 2Al(s)+3CuSO4(aq)Al2(SO4)3(aq)+3Cu(s)2Al(s) + 3CuSO_4(aq) \rightarrow Al_2(SO_4)_3(aq) + 3Cu(s). Therefore, the blue colour of the solution fades and eventually becomes colourless. Option B is incorrect as it suggests the reverse. Option C and D are incorrect because green colour is associated with iron(II) sulphate, not aluminium sulphate.

Common Mistakes

  1. 1Confusing the colour of aluminium salts with iron salts (which are green).
  2. 2Thinking copper can displace aluminium.

Interesting Facts

Aluminium is so reactive that it normally forms a protective oxide layer, but once this is breached, it reacts vigorously in displacement reactions.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How many marks does this question carry in CBSE Class 10 Science 2011?

This question carries 1 mark in the CBSE Class 10 Science 2011 examination.

Which chapter does this question come from in Science?

This question is from the chapter "Metals and Non-metals" in the CBSE Class 10 Science syllabus.

What topic does this question cover in Science?

This question covers the topic "Chemical Properties of Metals" from CBSE Class 10 Science.

What type of question is this in the CBSE Class 10 Science 2011 paper?

This is a MCQ question from Section B in the CBSE Class 10 Science 2011 paper.