Introduction to the electron transfer reaction

Principle

In this experiment students examine the reaction of metals in salt solutions.  Students put iron or iron wool into a copper sulfate solution and solid copper into an iron sulfate solution.  With this experiment students learn that metals can be deposited from a salt solution of a nobler metal (reduction reaction) with the help of a solid metal (which is less noble). The solid metal itself is oxidized and the ions dissolves into soltion (oxidation reaction).

Learning objectives

• Solid metals usualy react with noble metal ions,  but noble, solid metals mostly do not react with metal ions
• Reduction reaction is always linked with an oxidation reaction