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1 vote
Which metal will react spontaneously with Cu2+ (aq) at 25°C?

Hg

Mg

Ag

Au

User Jvanmetre
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2 Answers

1 vote

Answer:

B. Mg

Step-by-step explanation:

User Stoyan Berov
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4.4k points
5 votes

Answer:

Mg

Step-by-step explanation:

The standard reduction potentials are

E°/V

Au³⁺(aq ) + 3e⁻ ⟶ Au(s); 1.42

Hg²⁺(aq) + 2e⁻ ⟶ Hg(l); 0.85

Ag⁺(aq) + e⁻ ⟶ Ag(s); 0.80

Cu²⁺(aq) + 2e⁻ ⟶ Cu(s); 0.34

Mg2+(aq) + 2e- ⟶ Mg(s); -2.38

The more negative the standard reduction potential, the stronger the metal is as a reducing agent.

Mg is the only metal with a standard reduction potential lower than that of Cu, so

Only Mg will react spontaneously with Cu²⁺.

User Schuppe
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