Question

6. Due to shortage of plastic containers a storekeeper is left with a choice of zinc and copper containers to store hydrochloric acid. Determine the container he should use for the purpose with suitable reason.
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Answer 1

Answer:

) Reactivity of copper in different solutions:

i) Dilute HCl:

Copper does not react with dilute HCl, so latter can be stored in a copper vessel.

ii) Dilute HNO

3

:

Dilute HNO

3

cannot be stored in copper vessel as following chemical reaction takes place:

3Cu(s)+8HNO

3

(aq)→3Cu(NO

3

)

2

(aq)+2NO(g)+4H

2

O(l)

III) ZnCl

2

:

ZnCl

2

can be stored in copper vessel as no reaction takes place because copper is less active metal than zinc and can't displace it from ZnCl

2

solution.

iv) H

2

O:

No reaction occurs between copper and water so water can be stored in copper vessel.