Question

When HNO3 and Au are mixed together, what do you expect to happen, and why?

A. No reaction, because Au is above H on the activity series and they cannot react
B. No reaction, because Au is lower on the activity series and cannot replace H
C. They form Au(NO3)2 and H2, because Au is more reactive and able to replace H
D. They form Au(NO3)2 and H2, because they trade places in a double replacement reaction

Answer 1

B. No reaction, because Au is lower on the activity series and cannot replace H

Answer 2

Answer: B. No reaction, because Au is lower on the activity series and cannot replace H

Explanation: A single displacement reaction is one in which a reactive element displaces a less reactive element from its salt solution.

As gold (Au) is less reactive than hydrogen and thus lies lower in reactivity series, it would not be able to displace hydrogen from
`HNO_3`. Thus there will be no reaction.

`HNO_3+Au\rightarrow` no reaction