Can a nickel spatula be used to stir a solution of CuSO4 ?Give reason.

The Nickel spatula will form the cathode of the cell and the copper sulphate solution will form the anode of the cell formed by dipping Nickel spatula in the copper sulphate solution.

The half reactions can be represented as:

Anode (oxidation reaction) : Ni(s) → Ni2+(aq) + 2e-.

Cathode (reduction reaction) : Cu2+(aq) + 2e- → Cu(s)

The overall cell reaction can be written as:

Ni(s) + Cu2+(aq) → Ni2+(aq) + Cu(s)

The standard electrode reduction potentials are:

Since the EMF of the cell is positive the reaction will occur and Nickel will displace copper from its solution and copper will be deposited on the nickel spatula. 

Thus, Nickel cannot be used as to stir the copper sulphate solution.

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