Question

When the nail was copper-plated in Part III of the lab, what element do you think was reduced? Explain your answer in complete sentences.

Answer 1

Reduction always results in a lowering of the oxidation number. The reaction of the system above is written as:

Cu2+(aq) + Fe(s) --> Cu(s) + Fe2+(aq) 

From the reaction, we see that copper goes from the +2 to a neutral charge. Lowering of the oxidation number happens so this is the element that is being reduced.