Question

Why the copper is able to replace the silver, but the reverse reaction will not result in a replacement reaction?

Answer 1

Copper can replace silver in a solution because it is more reactive according to the activity series, leading to a spontaneous redox reaction where silver is reduced and copper is oxidized.

Step-by-step explanation:

In a chemical reaction where copper is placed in a silver nitrate solution, copper can replace silver due to its position in the activity series. Copper atoms donate electrons to silver ions, which results in silver atoms being reduced from their ionic state to a metallic state, while copper atoms are oxidized to copper (II) ions. This reaction is spontaneous and observable as the silver precipitates out and the solution turns blue, indicating the presence of copper ions. Conversely, silver cannot replace copper in a similar reaction because it is less reactive than copper and does not have a sufficient tendency to oxidize copper atoms. The activity series dictates that a metal can replace another metal in a single-replacement reaction only if it is positioned to the left (more reactive) than the metal it is trying to replace.

Answer 2

Copper is more reactive and higher in the activity series

Step-by-step explanation:

Copper is able to replace the silver in a replacement reaction because it is more reactive and higher in the activity series.

Substances or ions that are higher in the activity series are typically more reactive than those ones below them.

In like manner, they are able to replace the lowers ones in a chemical reaction due to their higher reactivity potential.

A less reactive element and a lower one in the activity series cannot displace a higher one in the series.