In the reaction X + ZSO₄ → X + ZSO₄, which metal is more reactive?

In this reaction, the presence of ZSO₄ suggests that we are dealing with a metal sulfate, where Z is likely a metal that can participate in a chemical reaction with another metal, which is X. To determine the reactivity of the metals, we can refer to the activity series of metals, a list that ranks metals based on their ability to displace other metals from compounds.

In this context, the reaction hints that one metal is more reactive than the other, leading to displacement reactions where a more reactive metal can replace a less reactive one from its compound. If Z is indeed the more reactive metal, it can displace X from ZSO₄, thus indicating that Z has a higher position on the activity series compared to X. This aligns with typical reactions observed in inorganic chemistry, where the reactivity of metals can be determined by their position in the activity series.

Choosing Z as the more reactive metal makes sense if we consider that X doesn't displace Z from ZSO₄, reinforcing that Z is indeed more reactive. Consequently, the conclusion that Z is the more reactive metal aligns well with established chemical principles regarding reactivity and displacement reactions in metals.