Using the following portion of the activity series for oxidation half-reactions, determine which element(s) can react with an acid to produce H2 gas.
Co(s) → Co^2+ (aq) + 2e-
Ni(s) → Ni^2+ (aq) + 2e −
Sn(s) → Sn^2+(aq) + 2e -
H2 (g) → 2H+ (aq) + 2e −
Cu(s) → Cu^2+ (aq) + 2e −
Ag(s) → Ag+(aq) + e −
I am not really sure where to go from here.
Those above H2 will produced hydrogen gas.
To determine which element(s) can react with an acid to produce H2 gas, you need to compare the electrode potential values in the given activity series.
The electrode potential measures the tendency of an element to undergo oxidation or reduction. Elements with more positive electrode potentials are more likely to undergo reduction and are better oxidizing agents.
In this case, since we are looking for the element(s) that can react with an acid to produce H2 gas (reduction half-reaction: 2H+ (aq) + 2e− → H2(g)), we need to find the elements with more positive electrode potentials than H2.
Comparing the electrode potential values, we find that both Ni and Sn have more positive electrode potentials than H2:
Ni: Ni(s) → Ni^2+ (aq) + 2e− (E° = -0.25 V)
Sn: Sn(s) → Sn^2+(aq) + 2e− (E° = -0.14 V)
Therefore, both Ni and Sn can react with an acid to produce H2 gas.
To determine which element(s) can react with an acid to produce H2 gas, you need to identify the elements that are capable of being oxidized (losing electrons) in the given activity series. Remember that in redox reactions, the element being oxidized is the reducing agent and can produce H2 gas when it reacts with an acid.
In this case, examine the half-reactions in the activity series and identify the elements that are reduced (gain electrons). These elements have been listed in the form of their reduced forms (aqueous ions) being produced from their solid forms:
Co(s) → Co^2+ (aq) + 2e-
Ni(s) → Ni^2+ (aq) + 2e −
Sn(s) → Sn^2+(aq) + 2e −
Cu(s) → Cu^2+ (aq) + 2e −
Ag(s) → Ag+(aq) + e −
From this information, notice that H2 (g) is the only element listed that has its reduced form on the left side of the arrow. In the given series, H2 is oxidized to form 2H+ (aq) + 2e −.
Therefore, the element that can react with an acid to produce H2 gas is hydrogen (H2).
To summarize, hydrogen (H2) can react with an acid to produce H2 gas based on the provided activity series.