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Chemistry Forums for Students => Analytical Chemistry Forum => Topic started by: sodiumman on November 08, 2009, 06:30:05 PM

Title: Zinc more reactive than Copper - Why?
Post by: sodiumman on November 08, 2009, 06:30:05 PM
Hi Forum,
I teach hs chem in Australia.  Aware of the 3d10, 4s2 structure of zinc, so why is it so much more reactive than copper, that seems to have incomplete shells?
Ta,Dave
Title: Re: Zinc more reactive than Copper - Why?
Post by: Schrödinger on November 09, 2009, 02:06:06 AM
Reactivity doesn't depend on electronic configuration alone. There are other factors like IE, HE and SE.

IE= Ionization enthalpy
HE = Hydration enthalpy
SE = Sublimation enthalpy.

You have to compare the Eo values as well.
This incorporates all the 3 factors.

Thus, you get a more accurate picture of reactivity.
Also, refer to the reactivity series to see that Zn well above Cu.