Chapter 21, Problem 29A

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation: The result of placing a strip of lead in an aqueous solution of magnesium nitrate needs to be explained.

Concept Introduction: If a metal loses electron/s, oxidation takes place. If the activity series of metals is examined taking hydrogen as a reference, the metals above hydrogen can easily get oxidized and metals below hydrogen can easily get reduced (as they have more reduction potential value).

Explanation of Solution

On moving top to bottom in the activity series, the reduction electrode potential increases thus, metals can easily get reduced.

On comparing lead and magnesium, lead is placed below magnesium; thus, it has more reduction electrode potential and it more easily gets reduced and oxidation of magnesium takes place.

Thus, if the lead strip is placed in a solution of magnesium nitrate, oxidation of lead does not take place and it cannot replace magnesium from its solution. Therefore, no reaction takes place.