On adding Zinc granules to freshly prepared Ferrous sulphate solution, a student observes that

Zinc displaces Fe from ${\text{FeSO}}_{\text{4}}$ as it is more reactive than iron.

1. Chemical Reaction

When zinc granules are added to a freshly prepared ferrous sulfate (FeSO4) solution, a displacement reaction occurs:

Zn (s) + FeSO₄ (aq) → ZnSO₄ (aq) + Fe (s)

• Zinc displaces iron from ferrous sulfate, forming zinc sulfate (ZnSO4) in the solution.
• Iron is deposited as a solid.

2. Observations

• Color Change: The light green color of the ferrous sulfate solution fades as zinc sulfate, which is colorless, forms in the solution.
• Metal Deposition: A grayish-black deposit of iron appears on the surface of the zinc granules.
• Effervescence (Optional): If impurities are present in the zinc or trace amounts of acid exist in the solution, slight effervescence may occur due to the release of hydrogen gas.