Question
Can a nickel spatula be used to stir the solution of CuSO4? Support your answer with reason. (E°Ni2+/Ni = – 0.25 V, E°Cu2+/Cu = + 0.34 V)
Solution
No.nickel spatula cannot be used to stir the solution of CuSO4
As E° Ni2+/Ni < E°cu2+/cu
Nickel has more tendency to lose electrons than copper. If a nickel spoon is used to CuSO4solution, it will displace Cu from CuSO4 solution.
Ni(s) + Cu2+ (aq) → Ni2+ (aq) + Cu(s)