Arrange the following metals in the order in which they displace each other from the solution of their salts. Al, Cu, Fe, Mg and Zn.
The order in which the given metals displace each other from the solution of their salts is: Mg > Al > Zn > Fe > Cu.
Explanation
A metal that is a better reducing agent (has a greater tendency to lose electrons) can displace a metal with a lower reducing power from the solution of its salts. Based on the metal activity series, magnesium has the highest tendency to lose electrons among the given metals, followed by aluminium, zinc, iron, and finally copper, which has the lowest tendency.
Solution Steps
Step 1: Understand that a metal displaces another metal from its salt solution if it has a greater tendency to lose electrons (is a better reducing agent).
Step 2: Arrange the given metals (Al, Cu, Fe, Mg, Zn) in decreasing order of their electron-releasing tendency based on the metal activity series.
Step 3: The correct order of displacement is Mg > Al > Zn > Fe > Cu.