Question

Using the activity series, write balanced chemical equations for the following: Nickel metal is added to a solution of copper nitrate.

a) (Ni + Cu(NO_3)_2 → Cu + Ni(NO_3)_2)
b) (Cu + Ni(NO_3)_2 → Ni + Cu(NO_3)_2)
c) (Ni + 2Cu(NO_3)_2 → 2Cu + Ni(NO_3)_2)
d) (2Cu + Ni(NO_3)_2 → Ni + 2Cu(NO_3)_2)

Answer 1

Nickel displaces copper from copper nitrate to form nickel nitrate and solid copper. The balanced chemical equation is Ni(s) + Cu(NO3)2(aq) → Ni(NO3)2(aq) + Cu(s).

Step-by-step explanation:

The correct reaction when nickel metal is added to a solution of copper nitrate is based on the activity series of the metals. According to the activity series, nickel is more reactive than copper. Therefore, nickel will displace copper from its compound, forming nickel nitrate and solid copper in a single-displacement reaction. So the balanced chemical equation for this reaction is:

Ni(s) + Cu(NO3)2(aq) → Ni(NO3)2(aq) + Cu(s)

In this reaction, a single nickel atom replaces a copper ion, resulting in copper metal being freed from the solution and nickel taking its place. The coefficients of the reactants and products are all one, indicating that the equation is already balanced.