Question

Predict which of the following metals reacts with sulfuric acid. (a) \(\mathrm{Ag}\) (b) Sn (c) \(\mathrm{Co}\) (d) Mn

Short answer

Co and Mn will react with sulfuric acid.

Step-by-step solution

Introduction to Reactivity with Sulfuric Acid

To predict which metals will react with sulfuric acid, we need to determine their relative positions in the reactivity series. Metals higher in the reactivity series will react more readily with acids, including sulfuric acid.

Understanding Reactivity Series

The reactivity series is a list of metals arranged in order of decreasing reactivity. Metals like potassium and sodium are at the top, which are very reactive, while metals like gold and silver are at the bottom, which are less reactive.

Locate Metals on Reactivity Series

Identify the position of each metal in the reactivity series: - Silver (mathrm{Ag}) is near the bottom and less reactive. - Tin ( ext{Sn}) is moderately reactive. - Cobalt ( ext{Co}) is more reactive than tin. - Manganese ( ext{Mn}) is very reactive and higher than cobalt and tin.

Predict Reaction with Sulfuric Acid

Metals that are above hydrogen in the reactivity series react with acids like sulfuric acid. Metal displacement results in hydrogen gas release. Both  ext{Co} and  ext{Mn} will react with sulfuric acid because they are above hydrogen in the series, whereas  ext{Ag} will not, as it is below hydrogen.

Key concepts

Metal Reactivity

Some metals react readily with acids, while others do not. The driving force behind these reactions is the metal's reactivity. The reactivity series is an invaluable tool in chemistry as it lists metals in order of their reactivity.

- **Highly Reactive:** At the top, you'll find metals like potassium ( K ), sodium ( Na ), and lithium ( Li ). These metals are extremely reactive, reacting fiercely even with water.
- **Moderately Reactive:** In the middle, metals like iron ( Fe ), zinc ( Zn ), and tin ( Sn ) show medium levels of reactivity. These metals can react with acids but not as vigorously as those at the top.
- **Least Reactive:** Down at the bottom, metals like gold ( Au ) and silver ( Ag ) are found. These metals are stable and rarely undergo reaction with acids because they are less reactive or non-reactive.

Knowing where a metal sits on this series allows you to predict if it will react with a given substance, which is crucial for understanding chemical reactions.

Sulfuric Acid Reaction

Sulfuric acid ( H_2SO_4 ) is a powerful acid that can react with metals, depending on their position in the reactivity series. The reaction between a metal and sulfuric acid typically involves the production of hydrogen gas and a metal sulfate.

For a metal like cobalt ( Co ) or manganese ( Mn ), which are above hydrogen in the reactivity series, the reaction with sulfuric acid can be observed as follows:
- Metal + H_2SO_4 → Metal sulfate + H_2 (gas)

Metals positioned below hydrogen in the reactivity series, such as silver ( Ag ), do not react with H_2SO_4 . This is because these metals cannot displace hydrogen from the acid solution, leaving no resultant reaction.

In summary, the reaction potential of metals with sulfuric acid depends directly on their ability to displace hydrogen, which is governed by their position relative to hydrogen in the reactivity series.

Chemical Displacement Reaction

Chemical displacement reactions are a specific type of reaction that involve one element replacing another in a compound. This is typical in reactions between metals and acids.

When a metal reacts with an acid, a displacement reaction occurs whereby the metal displaces the hydrogen to form a metal salt and hydrogen gas. For example, manganese ( Mn ) reacting with sulfuric acid follows this pattern:
- Mn + H_2SO_4 → MnSO_4 + H_2

The essence of displacement lies in the reactivity series; a metal will only displace another substance from its compound if it is higher in the reactivity series. Thus, cobalt and manganese can undergo such reactions with acids, while silver cannot because of its lower reactivity.

Understanding these reactions is integral for predicting reaction outcomes in chemical processes, helping chemists navigate complex chemical systems effectively.