Decide whether a chemical reaction happens in either of the following situations. If a reaction does happen, write the chemical equation for it. Be sure your chemical equation is balanced and has physical state symbols. situationchemical reaction?chamical equation A strip of solid copper yes metal is put into a beaker of 0.085M NiCl
solution. no A strip of solid nickel yes metal is put into a beaker of 0.054M Cu(NO
solution.no
The Correct Answer and Explanation is:
ChatGPT said:
Let’s analyze both situations by considering the activity series of metals and determining whether a single displacement reaction takes place. The activity series ranks metals by their ability to displace other metals from solution.
Situation A:
A strip of solid copper is put into a beaker of 0.085 M NiCl₂ solution.
Question: Will a reaction occur?
Step 1: Write the potential reaction:Cu(s)+Ni2+(aq)→Ni(s)+Cu2+(aq)\text{Cu(s)} + \text{Ni}^{2+}(aq) \rightarrow \text{Ni(s)} + \text{Cu}^{2+}(aq)Cu(s)+Ni2+(aq)→Ni(s)+Cu2+(aq)
This would be a single displacement reaction where solid copper displaces nickel ions.
Step 2: Use the activity series.
- Nickel (Ni) is more reactive than Copper (Cu).
- A less reactive metal cannot displace a more reactive one from its salt solution.
Conclusion:
No reaction occurs because copper is less reactive than nickel.
✔️ Answer for Situation A:
Chemical Reaction? No
Balanced Equation: No reaction
Situation B:
A strip of solid nickel is put into a beaker of 0.054 M Cu(NO₃)₂ solution.
Step 1: Write the potential reaction:Ni(s)+Cu2+(aq)→Cu(s)+Ni2+(aq)\text{Ni(s)} + \text{Cu}^{2+}(aq) \rightarrow \text{Cu(s)} + \text{Ni}^{2+}(aq)Ni(s)+Cu2+(aq)→Cu(s)+Ni2+(aq)
Nickel might displace copper from its solution.
Step 2: Use the activity series.
- Nickel (Ni) is more reactive than Copper (Cu).
- Therefore, nickel can displace copper ions from solution.
Step 3: Add physical state symbols and balance:Ni(s)+Cu(NO3)2(aq)→Cu(s)+Ni(NO3)2(aq)\text{Ni(s)} + \text{Cu(NO}_3)_2(aq) \rightarrow \text{Cu(s)} + \text{Ni(NO}_3)_2(aq)Ni(s)+Cu(NO3)2(aq)→Cu(s)+Ni(NO3)2(aq)
This reaction is balanced and accounts for charge and atoms. For clarity:Ni(s)+Cu2+(aq)→Cu(s)+Ni2+(aq)\text{Ni(s)} + \text{Cu}^{2+}(aq) \rightarrow \text{Cu(s)} + \text{Ni}^{2+}(aq)Ni(s)+Cu2+(aq)→Cu(s)+Ni2+(aq)
✔️ Answer for Situation B:
Chemical Reaction? Yes
Balanced Equation:Ni(s)+Cu(NO3)2(aq)→Cu(s)+Ni(NO3)2(aq)\text{Ni(s)} + \text{Cu(NO}_3)_2(aq) \rightarrow \text{Cu(s)} + \text{Ni(NO}_3)_2(aq)Ni(s)+Cu(NO3)2(aq)→Cu(s)+Ni(NO3)2(aq)
Explanation
In both scenarios, we examine whether a single displacement reaction occurs based on the reactivity of metals. These reactions happen when a more reactive metal displaces a less reactive metal ion from a solution.
In Situation A, a copper strip is placed in nickel chloride (NiCl₂) solution. For copper to displace nickel ions (Ni²⁺), it must be more reactive than nickel. However, according to the metal activity series, nickel is more reactive than copper, meaning copper lacks the chemical driving force to push nickel out of solution. Thus, no reaction occurs.
In Situation B, a nickel strip is placed in copper(II) nitrate (Cu(NO₃)₂) solution. Here, nickel has a higher reactivity than copper, so it can displace Cu²⁺ ions from solution, forming solid copper and soluble nickel nitrate. This reaction is spontaneous and evident by the appearance of reddish copper on the nickel strip and a gradual fading of the blue copper ion color in solution.
These situations emphasize how electrochemical potential governs reactivity. Metals higher in the activity series lose electrons more easily (oxidize), while those lower in the series gain electrons (reduce). Therefore, in Situation B, nickel oxidizes to Ni²⁺, and copper ions reduce to copper metal.
Understanding this concept is crucial in electrochemistry, corrosion, and metallurgy.
