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Which of the following metals will NOT dissolve in a solution containing 1 mol L-1 H+ ? Select as many answers as are correct, however points will be deducted for incorrect guesses. Select one or more:

Au
Mn
Cu
Ag
Zn
Mg

1 Answer

1 vote

Final answer:

Metals that are less reactive than hydrogen in the activity series will not dissolve in a 1 M H+ solution. These include gold (Au), silver (Ag), and possibly copper (Cu), which are known to be less reactive than hydrogen and thus won't react with the acidic solution.

Step-by-step explanation:

The question revolves around the reactivity of metals with an acidic solution containing 1 mol L-1 H+. To determine which metals will NOT dissolve in such a solution, we refer to the activity series of metals. The activity series ranks metals by their tendency to oxidize: metals higher in the series are more reactive and more likely to lose electrons to form cations. Since the question includes hydrogen, we look for metals that are less reactive than hydrogen according to the activity series. These metals are therefore less likely to give up electrons to the hydrogen ions in the acidic solution, meaning they won't dissolve.

Based on the activity series, from the given options, Au (Gold), Ag (Silver), and possibly Cu (Copper), are less reactive than hydrogen, which means they will not dissolve in a solution containing 1 mol L-1 H+. Mercury (Hg) would also not dissolve, although it is not listed among the choices given. On the contrary, Mn (Manganese), Zn (Zinc), and Mg (Magnesium) are more reactive than hydrogen and will likely dissolve in such an acidic environment.

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