Catalysis of the reaction between zinc and sulfuric acid
Zinc reacts with sulfuric acid to produce hydrogen. The reaction is catalysed by copper. The rate of reaction can be compared by means of the rate of production of hydrogen gas bubbles.
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Lesson organisation
This is a quick and easy experiment that can be done individually or in pairs.
Apparatus and chemicals
Eye protection
Each student or pair of students will require:
Test-tubes, 3
Test-tube rack
Measuring cylinder (10 cm3)
Dropping pipette
Granulated zinc, a few pieces
Copper turnings or powder, a few pieces/half a spatula
Dilute sulfuric acid, 1 mol dm-3 (Irritant)
Copper sulfate solution, 0.5 mol dm-3 (Low Hazard at the concentration used)
Technical notes
Dilute sulfuric acid (Irritant) Refer to CLEAPSS Hazcard 98A, CLEAPSS Recipe card 69 and CLEAPSS L195 'Safer chemicals, safer reactions'
Copper(II) sulfate solution (Low Hazard at the concentration used) Refer to CLEAPSS Hazcard 27C and CLEAPSS Recipe card 19
Procedure
a Put a few pieces of granulated zinc into each of the three test-tubes. Try to have approximately the same amount in each test-tube.
b Add 5 cm3 of dilute sulfuric acid to test-tube 1. Note the rate of production of gas bubbles.
c Add a few copper turnings to test-tube 2. Make sure they are in contact with the zinc. Add 5 cm3 of dilute sulfuric acid and note the rate of production of gas bubbles.
d Add 5 cm3 of dilute sulfuric acid to test-tube 3. Then add about 1 cm3 of the copper sulfate solution using a dropping pipette. Note the rate of production of gas bubbles. Note what happens to the colour of the copper sulfate solution. Note what happens to the surface of the pieces of zinc.
Teaching notes
If the granulated zinc pieces are shiny then the reaction in test-tube 1 is slow. The reaction may be faster if the zinc is not very pure. Bubbles of hydrogen form on the surface of the zinc. The reaction is:
Zinc + Sulfuric acid → Zinc sulfate + Hydrogen
Zn + H2SO4 → ZnSO4 + H2
In test-tube 2, copper is the catalyst for the reaction, and the reaction should be faster than in test-tube 1, but may not be as fast as test-tube 3.
In test-tube 3, zinc displaces copper from the copper sulfate solution and the surface of the zinc goes black. The displaced copper metal then acts as a catalyst for the reaction.
Zinc + Copper sulfate → Zinc sulfate + Copper
Zn(s) + CuSO4 (aq) → ZnSO4 + Cu(s)
There may be enough hydrogen produced in test-tube 3 for students to test for using a lighted splint.
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Health and Safety checked, October 2007
Updated 12 Feb 2009Average rating: 
4 out of 5
Your reviews
State which variables are manipulated, controlled and responding. Your info provided was very useful - thank you. :)
Submitted by: Nikesha Matthew on 18 December 2008
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Submitted by: Nawroz Ali on 8 May 2009
Reaction sequence formula for test tube 3, under Teaching Notes, would be helpful.
Submitted by: Nick on 1 July 2009
Write more?
Submitted by: ashley wooding on 10 December 2009
Improve technique to discuss the experiment.
Submitted by: jane sinorita on 18 December 2008