I am unsure about balancing equation I would like for someone to let me know if I am working this out correctly?
I have to write a balanced equation for the reaction when solid magnesium is added to a solution of lead(ii)nitrate, solid lead forms and the magnesium disappears as it goes into solution as magnesium nitrate.
Mg + Pb(NO3)2 >>> Pb + Mg(NO3)2
I want to make aure that I understand which metal is more active. between magnesium or lead I think lead would be more active because it forms a solid.
Your equation is right. Your reasoning is wrong. Mg is more active because it replaces the Pb ions and forces the Pb out of solution. Here is how you tell which is more active. Here is the "activity series" of metals.
https://www.google.com/search?q=activity+series+metals&client=firefox-a&hs=No8&rls=org.mozilla:en-US:official&channel=sb&tbm=isch&imgil=iBkXzX7JFqX2uM%253A%253Bhttps%253A%252F%252Fencrypted-tbn3.gstatic.com%252Fimages%253Fq%253Dtbn%253AANd9GcTP4f7Kg7BS_09X19Oa3XvBtOr19hJTXLxkT7xQ_c8IKZNwPaFf-w%253B430%253B549%253B2OwpFSfAa4q8sM%253Bhttp%25253A%25252F%25252Fwww.grandinetti.org%25252FTeaching%25252FChem121%25252FLectures%25252FActivitySeries&source=iu&usg=__LInAFLlIqFcdqzwZjb8YYuQiIyw%3D&sa=X&ei=OjVMU6yzMKb62gXLzIDIBQ&ved=0CCwQ9QEwAQ#facrc=_&imgdii=_&imgrc=iBkXzX7JFqX2uM%253A%3B2OwpFSfAa4q8sM%3Bhttp%253A%252F%252Fwww.grandinetti.org%252Fresources%252FTeaching%252FChem121%252FLectures%252FActivitySeries%252FActivitySeries.png%3Bhttp%253A%252F%252Fwww.grandinetti.org%252FTeaching%252FChem121%252FLectures%252FActivitySeries%3B430%3B549
This works as follows: Any METAL will replace the ION of a metal below it in the series. Mg is above Pb in the table; therefore, Mg METAL will displace Pb ION which is below it.
You are almost correct in balancing the equation. To balance the equation for the reaction between solid magnesium (Mg) and lead(II) nitrate (Pb(NO3)2), we need to consider the individual elements involved.
The unbalanced equation you wrote is:
Mg + Pb(NO3)2 >>> Pb + Mg(NO3)2
To balance the equation, we need to ensure that the number of atoms of each element is equal on both sides. Let's break down the elements:
1. Magnesium (Mg) appears on both the left and right sides of the equation, so it is already balanced.
2. Nitrate (NO3) appears on both sides as well. It exists as a polyatomic ion, so we need to balance the number of nitrate ions.
On the left side, there is 1 nitrate ion, while on the right side, there are 2 nitrate ions. To balance this, we need to have 2 nitrate ions on the left side as well.
Thus, the balanced equation becomes:
Mg + Pb(NO3)2 >>> Pb + Mg(NO3)2
2Mg + Pb(NO3)2 >>> Pb + 2Mg(NO3)2
Regarding your question about the reactivity of magnesium and lead, you're correct in noting that lead is more reactive in this case. Lead displaces magnesium in a solution of lead(II) nitrate, resulting in solid lead and magnesium nitrate. Lead is less reactive than magnesium, allowing it to displace magnesium from the compound and form a solid.
If you need further clarification or have any additional questions, feel free to ask!