Using the activity series, will copper displace silver from AgNO3 in solution?

Using the activity series, will copper displace silver from AgNO3 in solution?

• A. Yes, copper will displace silver.
• B. The reaction is rapid and vigorous.
• C. The reaction will occur slowly.
• D. Copper is less reactive than silver; no reaction occurs.

Answer: (D)

The key idea is the activity series: a metal higher up can push a less reactive metal out of its compound. Copper is more reactive than silver, so it can donate electrons to Ag+ in solution, reducing the silver ions to solid silver while copper is oxidized to Cu2+. The overall reaction is Cu(s) + 2AgNO3(aq) → Cu(NO3)2(aq) + 2Ag(s). You’ll often see the blue solution of copper nitrate form as Cu(NO3)2 appears in solution, and silver metal may plate onto the copper surface. The rate depends on conditions, but this displacement is typically observable rather than extremely vigorous.

The key idea is the activity series: a metal higher up can push a less reactive metal out of its compound. Copper is more reactive than silver, so it can donate electrons to Ag+ in solution, reducing the silver ions to solid silver while copper is oxidized to Cu2+. The overall reaction is Cu(s) + 2AgNO3(aq) → Cu(NO3)2(aq) + 2Ag(s). You’ll often see the blue solution of copper nitrate form as Cu(NO3)2 appears in solution, and silver metal may plate onto the copper surface. The rate depends on conditions, but this displacement is typically observable rather than extremely vigorous.