Question

Predict which of the following metals reacts with aqueous copper(II) nitrate. (a) \(\mathrm{Ag}\) (b) \(S n\) (c) Co (d) \(\mathrm{Mn}\)

Short answer

Mn and Co react with copper(II) nitrate.

Step-by-step solution

Understanding Reactivity Series

The reactivity series is a list of metals arranged in order of decreasing reactivity. Metals higher up in the series react more vigorously and can displace metals below them from their compounds.

Identify Copper's Position

Copper is less reactive compared to metals like zinc, iron, and sodium but is still reactive. To predict if a metal can displace copper from copper(II) nitrate, check if the metal is above copper in the reactivity series.

Determine the Reactivity of Given Metals

List the given metals: Ag, Sn, Co, Mn, and compare their positions in the reactivity series. Generally, Mn and Co are more reactive than copper, while Ag is less reactive, and Sn is close to copper in reactivity.

Predict the Reaction Possibility

Metals that are more reactive than copper can displace it from its compounds. Since Mn and Co are more reactive, they can react with aqueous copper(II) nitrate. Ag and Sn will not displace copper.

Key concepts

Metal Displacement

Metal displacement is a type of chemical reaction where a more reactive metal displaces a less reactive metal from its compound. This is part of a broader category of redox reactions, where oxidation and reduction occur. The reactivity of metals is crucial here since only metals higher in the reactivity series can successfully displace those lower in the series. For example, if metal A is more reactive than metal B, then metal A can displace metal B from a solution of its compound.

This reaction can be easily observed. Consider a metal like zinc placed into a solution containing copper ions, such as copper(II) sulfate. Since zinc is more reactive than copper, it will replace copper in the solution forming zinc sulfate, while copper will be deposited as a solid metal. This kind of reaction underscores the importance of understanding metal reactivity to predict chemical behavior accurately.

Copper(II) Nitrate

Copper(II) nitrate, denoted as Cu(NO₃)₂, is a blue, crystalline solid used in various chemical reactions and processes. It consists of copper ions and nitrate ions in a specific stoichiometric ratio.

In reactions involving copper(II) nitrate, we often focus on the copper part of the compound. This compound can participate in reactions where another, more reactive metal is present. The more reactive metal will replace copper in the compound, forming a new metallic compound, while the copper will deposit as a solid.

Understanding how copper(II) nitrate interacts with other metals in the reactivity series is crucial for predicting the outcomes of such displacement reactions. Remember that the visual change during a reaction, such as color change or precipitate formation, can signify whether a displacement has occurred.

Metal Reactivity Comparison

To successfully predict displacement reactions, comparing the reactivity of metals is essential. The reactivity series is a tool that ranks metals from most to least reactive. Metals like lithium and potassium top the series, showcasing their ability to easily lose electrons and engage in reactions. Conversely, metals such as gold and silver are lower in the series indicating their reluctance to participate in chemical reactions.

For the given problem, metals like manganese (Mn) and cobalt (Co) are more reactive than copper (Cu). Thus, when placed in a copper(II) nitrate solution, these metals can effectively displace copper, forming their respective nitrates. On the other hand, silver (Ag) is less reactive than copper, so it will not displace the copper ions. Tin (Sn) is closely positioned to copper in the reactivity series, indicating it may not significantly displace copper unless conditions favor it.

• More reactive: Mn, Co
• Less reactive: Ag, Sn

Recognizing these differences is vital for predicting which metals will react together in a displacement scenario.