Question

If metal x is more reactive than metal y, what will be formed when metal x reacts with a solution of metal y carbonate? Give a reason to support your answer and write a word equation for the reaction.

Answer 1

When a more reactive metal X reacts with a solution of less reactive metal Y carbonate, metal X displaces metal Y to form metal X carbonate. This is known as a single displacement reaction, and the word equation would be Metal X + Metal Y Carbonate → Metal X Carbonate + Metal Y.

Step-by-step explanation:

When metal X is more reactive than metal Y, and metal X reacts with a solution of metal Y carbonate, metal X will displace metal Y to form a new compound, metal X carbonate, and leave behind metal Y as a separate element or compound.

The reactivity series dictates that a more reactive metal can displace a less reactive metal from its compounds. This type of reaction is known as a single displacement or replacement reaction.

The word equation for this reaction would be Metal X + Metal Y Carbonate → Metal X Carbonate + Metal Y.

For example, if metal X is magnesium (which is more reactive) and metal Y is copper, and the carbonate is copper (II) carbonate, the word equation would be Magnesium + Copper (II) Carbonate → Magnesium Carbonate + Copper.