If metal X is lower then metal Y in the activity series, then what would happen?

1 Answer
Aug 27, 2014

In order to determine whether a single replacement (displacement) reaction will occur, we look at the activity series for metals. If metal X will replace (displace) metal Y, then metal X must be above metal Y in the activity series for metals. If metal X is lower than metal Y, there will be no reaction.

For example, copper (Cu) is higher on the reactivity series than silver (Ag). Therefore, copper will replace (displace) silver in a single replacement (displacement) reaction.

#"Cu""(s)"# + #"2AgNO"_3"(aq)"# #rarr# #"2Ag""(s)"# + #"Cu(NO"_3)_2"(aq)"#

However, the reverse reaction will not take place because silver is below copper in the reactivity series.

#"Ag""(s)"# + #"Cu(NO"_3)_2"(aq)"# #rarr# no reaction

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