Can Nickel Spatula Stir Copper Sulfate Solution?

A nickel spatula is a common lab apparatus used to stir solutions.

Copper (II) sulfate solution is a blue solution that we can easily prepare in the lab.

So can we use a nickel spatula to stir a solution of copper (II) sulfate?

To answer this we have to consider the stability of nickel spatula when mixed with CuSO₄ solution.

If nickel is stable in CuSO₄, a nickel spatula can be used for stirring as it will not have any unintended reaction taking place.

If nickel is not stable in CuSO₄, a reaction between nickel and CuSO₄ will occur.

Then a nickel spatula will not be suitable for stirring.

Stability of nickel in CuSO₄ is essentially the feasibility of the redox reaction between Ni and Cu²⁺.

So the real question is:

Is the redox reaction between Ni and Cu²⁺ feasible?

To determine this we can calculate the E_cell for this redox reaction.

Let's find the appropriate half equations in the data booklet:

This redox reaction involves:

- reduction of Cu²⁺ to Cu        E = +0.34V
- oxidation of Ni to Ni²⁺           E = -0.25V

We can now calculate the E_cell of this reaction:

Since E_cell is positive, the reaction between Ni and Cu²⁺ is feasible.

This means Ni is not stable in Cu²⁺ and we cannot use a nickel spatula to stir a solution of CuSO₄.

Topic: Electrochemistry, Physical Chemistry, A Level Chemistry, Singapore

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