Why zinc plate get holes when it is kept in copper sulphate solution?

Question

Answer

Answer:

The reason for the holes is that when the zinc reacts with copper sulphate to form zinc sulphate , a colourless solution and the displaced copper settles down as precipitate.
So, the zinc plate get holes in it from where the zinc ions leave to combine with the sulphate ions.

Answer

Zinc is more reactive than Cu
it displace Cu from its salt solution

Answer

Introduction:
When a zinc plate is kept in a copper sulfate solution, it undergoes a process known as galvanic corrosion. This is a chemical reaction that occurs due to the difference in electrical potentials between the two metals, resulting in the formation of holes or pits on the surface of the zinc plate.

Galvanic Corrosion:
Galvanic corrosion is a type of corrosion that occurs when two dissimilar metals are in contact in the presence of an electrolyte, such as the copper sulfate solution. In this case, zinc and copper are the two metals involved.

Electrochemical Cell:
When the zinc plate is immersed in the copper sulfate solution, it acts as the anode in an electrochemical cell. The zinc atoms on the surface of the plate oxidize, losing electrons and forming zinc ions (Zn2+). This process is known as oxidation. The released electrons flow through the metal and create an electrical current.

Difference in Electrical Potentials:
Copper, on the other hand, has a lower electrical potential compared to zinc. This means that copper has a higher tendency to accept electrons and undergo reduction. As a result, the copper ions (Cu2+) present in the copper sulfate solution gain electrons and are reduced to metallic copper.

Formation of Zinc Ions:
As the zinc atoms on the surface of the zinc plate oxidize, they form zinc ions (Zn2+). These ions then migrate through the solution and come into contact with the copper ions. The zinc ions react with the copper ions, forming solid copper metal and releasing more zinc ions into the solution.

Corrosion of Zinc Plate:
The continuous formation of zinc ions and their migration towards the copper ions leads to the depletion of zinc atoms from the surface of the zinc plate. This gradual loss of zinc material weakens the plate and eventually leads to the formation of holes or pits. These holes are a result of the localized corrosion caused by the galvanic reaction between zinc and copper.

Conclusion:
In conclusion, when a zinc plate is kept in a copper sulfate solution, galvanic corrosion occurs due to the difference in electrical potentials between zinc and copper. The zinc plate acts as the anode, losing electrons and forming zinc ions. These zinc ions react with copper ions in the solution, resulting in the formation of solid copper and the release of more zinc ions. The continuous depletion of zinc material weakens the plate, leading to the formation of holes or pits.

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