Sulphuric acid as an oxidant

[nickglyn]

Hey. So for industrial chemistry, what part of sulphuric acid oxidises another element? For example, sulphuric acid added to copper strips? And is there a difference between dilute and concentrated sulphuric acid and how they oxidise?

[RuiAce]

Hey. So for industrial chemistry, what part of sulphuric acid oxidises another element? For example, sulphuric acid added to copper strips? And is there a difference between dilute and concentrated sulphuric acid and how they oxidise?

Not entirely sure with what you're saying in your first question, so try to infer something from the equation. Or you might need to clarify what you meant

Cu_(s) + H₂SO_4(aq) -> CuSO_4(aq) + H_2(g)

With conc. vs dilute when it comes to sulfuric acid as an oxidant I believe no there isn't a difference.

[nickglyn]

You know how when in aqueous solution, sulfuric acid is ionised? What ion in sulfuric acid is the one responsible for the oxidation of copper?

[RuiAce]

The sulfate's 'responsible' of course, since an ionic bond is formed

However if we try to think redox then of course H⁺ is what gets reduced to oxidise Cu