Question

why does copper not evolve hydrogen gas on reaction with dilute sulphuric acid

Answer 1

Answer: This is so because copper lies below in the series than hydrogen.

Explanation:

Single displacement reaction is defined as the reaction in which a more reactive element displaces a less reactive element from its chemical reaction.

The reactivity of metal is determined by a series known as reactivity series. The metals lying above in the series are more reactive than the metals which lie below in the series.

$AB+C\rightarrow CB+A$

B is more reactive metal than metal A.

In the question, copper lies below in the reactivity series than hydrogen. Thus, it will not easily replace hydrogen from its chemical reaction and evolve hydrogen gas.

The chemical equation for the reaction of copper and sulfuric acid follows:

$Cu+H_2SO_4\rightarrow \text{No reaction}$

Thus, this is so because copper lies below in the series than hydrogen.