Final answer:
In a single-replacement reaction, the activity series determines whether one metal will replace another metal from a compound. Ionic bonds are formed between a metal and a nonmetal through the transfer of electrons, while covalent bonds are formed between two nonmetals through the sharing of electrons. The given operation, 36.47 cm + 2.721 cm + 15.1 cm, results in 54.3 cm with 3 significant figures.
Step-by-step explanation:
In a single-replacement reaction, whether one metal will replace another metal from a compound depends on the activity series. The activity series is a list of metals in order of their reactivity, with the most reactive at the top. A metal higher in the activity series will replace a metal lower in the activity series from a compound. For example, zinc (Zn) can replace copper (Cu) from copper sulfate (CuSO4), but copper cannot replace zinc.
When comparing ionic and covalent bonds, ionic bonds are formed between a metal and a nonmetal through the transfer of electrons. The metal loses electrons to become a cation, while the nonmetal gains electrons to become an anion.
Covalent bonds, on the other hand, are formed between two nonmetals through the sharing of electrons. The nonmetals share electrons to achieve a stable electron configuration. For example, sodium chloride (NaCl) is an ionic compound, while methane (CH4) is a covalent compound.
To perform the given operation with the correct number of significant figures, we add the given values: 36.47 cm + 2.721 cm + 15.1 cm = 54.291 cm. Since the smallest number of significant figures is 3 (from 2.721 cm), we round the final answer to 3 significant figures, giving us 54.3 cm.