Question

Using the activity series (Table 4.5 ), write balanced chemical equations for the following reactions. If no reaction occurs, write NR. (a) Nickel metal is added to a solution of copper(II) nitrate, (b) a solution of zinc nitrate is added to a solution of magnesium sulfate, (c) hydrochloric acid is added to gold metal, (d) chromium metal is immersed in an aqueous solution of cobalt(II) chloride, (e) hydrogen gas is bubbled

Short answer

(a) $Ni(s)+Cu(N{O}_3{)}_2(aq)\to Ni(N{O}_3{)}_2(aq)+Cu(s)$ (b) NR (c) NR (d) $Cr(s)+CoC{l}_2(aq)\to CrC{l}_2(aq)+Co(s)$ (e) NR

Step-by-step solution

Check activity series for Nickel and Copper

Refer to the activity series and find that Nickel (Ni) is more reactive than Copper (Cu). A reaction will occur.

Write the balanced chemical equation

The balanced chemical equation for this reaction is: $Ni(s)+Cu(N{O}_3{)}_2(aq)\to Ni(N{O}_3{)}_2(aq)+Cu(s)$ Step 2: Reaction between a solution of zinc nitrate and a solution of magnesium sulfate

Check activity series for Zinc and Magnesium

Refer to the activity series and find that Zinc (Zn) is less reactive than Magnesium (Mg). No reaction will occur.

Write the balanced chemical equation

Since no reaction occurs, write NR. Step 3: Reaction between hydrochloric acid and gold metal

Check activity series for Hydrogen and Gold

Refer to the activity series and find that Hydrogen (H) is more reactive than Gold (Au). No reaction will occur.

Write the balanced chemical equation

Since no reaction occurs, write NR. Step 4: Reaction between chromium metal and an aqueous solution of cobalt(II) chloride

Check activity series for Chromium and Cobalt

Refer to the activity series and find that Chromium (Cr) is more reactive than Cobalt (Co). A reaction will occur.

Write the balanced chemical equation

The balanced chemical equation for this reaction is: $Cr(s)+CoC{l}_2(aq)\to CrC{l}_2(aq)+Co(s)$ Step 5: Reaction between hydrogen gas and silver nitrate solution

Check activity series for Hydrogen and Silver

Refer to the activity series and find that Hydrogen (H) is more reactive than Silver (Ag). No reaction will occur.

Write the balanced chemical equation

Since no reaction occurs, write NR.