April 23, 2024, 02:51:06 PM
Forum Rules: Read This Before Posting


Topic: Zinc more reactive than Copper - Why?  (Read 11192 times)

0 Members and 1 Guest are viewing this topic.

Offline sodiumman

  • Very New Member
  • *
  • Posts: 1
  • Mole Snacks: +0/-0
Zinc more reactive than Copper - Why?
« 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

Offline Schrödinger

  • Chemist
  • Sr. Member
  • *
  • Posts: 1162
  • Mole Snacks: +138/-98
  • Gender: Male
Re: Zinc more reactive than Copper - Why?
« Reply #1 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.
"Destiny is not a matter of chance; but a matter of choice. It is not a thing to be waited for; it is a thing to be achieved."
- William Jennings Bryan

Sponsored Links