Based on the activity series provided, which of the following metals will displace copper from a solution of CuSO_4?

• A. Mercury
• B. Silver
• C. Gold
• D. Zinc

Answer: (D)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the concept of the activity series: it is a list of metals ranked by their ability to lose electrons (oxidize) and displace other metals from their compounds in solution.
2. Identify that a metal can displace copper from CuSO_4 solution only if it is more reactive (higher in the activity series) than copper.
3. Compare the given metals (Mercury, Silver, Gold, Zinc) to copper in the activity series to determine which metals are more reactive than copper.
4. Recognize that Zinc is above copper in the activity series, meaning it can lose electrons more readily and displace copper ions from the solution.
5. Conclude that Zinc will displace copper from CuSO_4 solution, while Mercury, Silver, and Gold, being less reactive than copper, will not.