Question

The following reaction does not proceed to a product: H2O + Cu --> no reaction. Why is that?

a.Copper has a lower activity than hydrogen and cannot replace it.
b.The reaction cannot occur because water is a reactant.
c.Copper has a higher activity than hydrogen and cannot replace it.
d.The reaction proceeds too slowly to create products.

Answer 1

The reason why H₂O +Cu does not proceed to a product is that

copper has a lower activity than hydrogen and cannot replace it (answer A)

Step-by-step explanation

Replacement reaction is type of a reaction in which element react with compound and take place of another element in that compound.

That is the more reactive element replaces the less reactive element from it's compound.

Since H₂ is more reactive than Cu in reactivity series therefore no reaction occur between H₂O +Cu since Cu cannot replace H₂ from its compound.

Answer 2

I think the correct answer would be because copper has a lower activity than hydrogen and cannot replace the bonds in it. Substances that are not oxidizing do not react with copper since the redox potentials are very low. Hope this answers the question.