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Activity 1.7 — Iron Nail in CuSO₄
NCERT Activity 1.7: Dip an iron nail in copper sulphate solution. Observe the colour change (blue → green) and the brown copper deposit on the nail — a displacement reaction.
How To Perform
1
Add CuSO₄ Solution
Pour bright blue copper sulphate solution into a clean beaker.
2
Suspend the Iron Nail
Tie a thread to a clean iron nail and lower it into the solution.
3
Observe
After 10-15 min: blue solution fades to pale green (FeSO₄), brown Cu deposits on the nail.
4
Compare with the Reverse
Copper wire in FeSO₄ does nothing — copper cannot displace iron.
⚠️ Safety Notes
- •Copper sulphate is harmful if swallowed — wash hands after handling.
- •Use a clean iron nail (rubbed with sandpaper) to remove any oxide/oil coating.
- •Do not heat the solution — it speeds up the reaction but is unnecessary.