Question

When a small piece of copper metal is added to a silver nitrate solution, the following reaction occurs: 2Ag+NO3+Cu → Cu (NO3)2+2Ag

This equation represents both a single replacement reaction AND a(n) ______________________ reaction.

Question 4 options:

A. oxidation - reduction
B. neutralization
C. combustion
D. decomposition

Answer 1

A. Oxidation-reduction

Step-by-step explanation:

I assume you mean the reaction is:

Ag2NO3(aq) + Cu(s) -> 2Ag(s) + Cu(NO3)2(aq)

Either way:

Solids have the oxidation number of 0. So in the beginning of the reaction Cu(s) has the oxidation number 0, and at the end it has a oxidation number of +2. So it was oxidized.

Ag in the beginning of the reaction has the oxidation number of +1, and ends with the oxidation number of 0. It was reduced.

So its an oxidation reduction.