When an iron nail is dipped in a solution of copper sulphate, the iron

When an iron nail is dipped in a solution of copper sulphate, the iron nail becomes brownish in colour and the blue colour of copper sulphate solution fades after some time. The reaction is an example of chemical

combination
decomposition
displacement
double displacement
This question was previously asked in
UPSC CAPF – 2012
When an iron nail is dipped in a solution of copper sulphate (CuSO4), a chemical reaction occurs. Iron (Fe) is more reactive than copper (Cu), so it displaces copper from the copper sulphate solution. The reaction is: Fe (s) + CuSO4 (aq) → FeSO4 (aq) + Cu (s). This results in a brownish deposit of copper on the iron nail and the blue colour of the copper sulphate solution fading as iron sulphate (FeSO4), which is light green, is formed.
This type of reaction, where a more reactive element displaces a less reactive element from its compound, is called a displacement reaction.
Combination reactions involve two or more substances combining to form a single product. Decomposition reactions involve a single compound breaking down into two or more simpler substances. Double displacement reactions involve the exchange of ions between two compounds.
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