In the refining of silver, the recovery of silver from silver nitrate solution involved displacement by copper metal. Write down the reaction involved.
The reaction involved in the recovery of silver from silver nitrate solution by displacement with copper metal is:
Cu(s) + 2AgNO₃(aq) → Cu(NO₃)₂(aq) + 2Ag(s)
(Copper) (Silver nitrate) (Copper nitrate) (Silver)
This is a displacement reaction where copper, being more reactive than silver, displaces silver from the silver nitrate solution. As shown in similar reactions in the context, more reactive elements like zinc and lead displace copper from its compounds. Similarly, copper displaces silver from silver nitrate, resulting in the formation of copper nitrate solution and solid silver metal.
Explanation
The question asks for the displacement reaction where copper recovers silver from silver nitrate solution. Following the pattern of displacement reactions shown in the context (like Fe + CuSO₄ → FeSO₄ + Cu, and Zn + CuSO₄ → ZnSO₄ + Cu), copper being more reactive than silver displaces it from silver nitrate. The balanced equation shows copper metal reacting with silver nitrate to form copper nitrate and silver metal. This is a standard displacement reaction as defined in the context.
Solution Steps
Step 1: Identify the type of reaction - displacement reaction where a more reactive metal displaces a less reactive metal from its compound.
Step 2: Write the reactants - Copper metal (Cu) and Silver nitrate solution (AgNO₃).
Step 3: Apply the displacement pattern - Copper displaces silver to form Copper nitrate (Cu(NO₃)₂) and Silver metal (Ag).
Step 4: Balance the equation - Cu(s) + 2AgNO₃(aq) → Cu(NO₃)₂(aq) + 2Ag(s)