Chapter 24, Problem 126A

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation: To write the observations when nickel wire is immersed in silver nitrate solution.

Concept introduction: In an activity series, the more active metal is the one that is readily oxidized. The substances, that are strong reducing agents (negative standard reduction potential) than hydrogen is placed above hydrogen in the activity series while the weaker reducing agents (positive reduction values) than hydrogen are placed below hydrogen in this series.

Answer to Problem 126A

When nickel wire is placed in silver nitrate solution, nickel displaces silver from its solution forming nickel nitrate solution.

Explanation of Solution

In an activity series, nickel is placed above silver, this infers that nickel is more reactive than silver.

Thus, when a nickel wire is immersed in silver nitrate solution, then it will displace silver from its solution and form a nickel nitrate solution. This reaction can also be known as a displacement reaction.

The chemical reaction is depicted as follows:

  $\text{Ni}\left(s\right)+2{\text{AgNO}}_{\text{3}}\left(aq\right)\to \text{Ni}{\left({\text{NO}}_{\text{3}}\right)}_{\text{2}}\left(aq\right)+2\text{Ag}\left(s\right)$

Conclusion

When nickel wire is placed in silver nitrate solution, nickel displaces silver from its solution forming nickel nitrate solution.