Question

If 5.0 g of copper metal reacts with a solution of silver nitrate, how many grams of silver metal are recovered?

Cu + Ag(NO3)2=Cu(NO3)2 + Ag

Answer 1

16.9g

Explanation:Cu+2AgNO3→2Ag+Cu(NO3)2

Cu will likely have a +2 oxidation state. It is higher in the activity series than Ag, so it is a stronger reducing agent and will reduce Ag in a displacement reaction. Then you need to balance the coefficients knowing than NO3 is -1 and Ag is +1.

Then to calculate the theoretical yield you need to compare moles of the reactants:

m(Cu)=5g

M(Cu)=63.55

n(Cu)=5/63.55=0.0787

By comparing coefficients you require twice as much silver: 0.157mol

n(Ag)=0.157

M(Ag)=107.86

m(Ag)=0.157x107.86=16.9g

Hence, the theoretical yield of this reaction would be 16.9g