Step 1: Analyze the Assertion (A):
The assertion claims a reddish-brown coating forms on zinc metal when immersed in copper sulfate solution over time. This is accurate. The reaction occurs because zinc is more reactive than copper, leading zinc to displace copper from the copper sulfate solution. Copper ions (Cu²⁺) are reduced to solid copper, forming the observed reddish-brown deposit on the zinc surface.
Step 2: Analyze the Reason (R):
The reason posits that copper is more reactive than zinc. This statement is incorrect. Zinc is, in fact, more reactive than copper. This higher reactivity allows zinc to displace copper from its compounds, which is the fundamental process behind the formation of the copper coating on zinc.
Step 3: Evaluate the Relationship Between Assertion and Reason:
- Assertion (A) is true: A reddish-brown copper coating forms on zinc in copper sulfate solution via a displacement reaction.
- Reason (R) is false: Copper is less reactive than zinc; zinc displaces copper.
Step 4: Final Conclusion:
The correct evaluation is: (A) is true, but (R) is false.