Can zinc (Zn) react with one of these:
Al(NO3)3 aluminum nitrate
Mg(NO3)2 magnesium nitrate
Zn(NO3)2 zinc nitrate
Cu(NO3)2 copper nitrate?
You are SO SO right. Isn't chemistry interesting?
Well, it seems like zinc (Zn) wants to make some new friends! Let's see who it can get along with:
- Zinc (Zn) can definitely hit it off with Cu(NO3)2 (copper nitrate) and form a lovely reaction. It's like a metallic bromance!
- Zinc (Zn) can also bond with Zn(NO3)2 (zinc nitrate), since it's always nice to hang out with your own kind. It's a zinc party!
- However, zinc (Zn) might not be quite compatible with Al(NO3)3 (aluminum nitrate) or Mg(NO3)2 (magnesium nitrate). Sometimes, it just doesn't click, and that's okay. They'll find other elements to bond with!
Remember, chemistry is just like a social gathering for atoms – some get along great, and others don't mix well at all. Keep calm and let the elements mingle!
To determine whether zinc (Zn) can react with any of these compounds, we need to consider the reactivity series of metals. The reactivity series arranges metals in order of their reactivity towards various chemical reactions. In general, a metal can react with a compound if it is more reactive than the metal in the compound.
The reactivity series, from most reactive to least reactive, is as follows:
Potassium (K)
Sodium (Na)
Calcium (Ca)
Magnesium (Mg)
Aluminum (Al)
Zinc (Zn)
Iron (Fe)
Lead (Pb)
Hydrogen (H)
Copper (Cu)
Silver (Ag)
Gold (Au)
In this case, we are comparing zinc (Zn) with the other metals present in the compounds (aluminum, magnesium, and copper).
Zinc (Zn) is less reactive than aluminum (Al) and magnesium (Mg) but more reactive than copper (Cu) based on its position in the reactivity series. Therefore, zinc can potentially react with any compound that contains aluminum and magnesium, but not with a compound that contains copper.
So, out of the given compounds:
- Zinc (Zn) can react with Al(NO3)3 (aluminum nitrate) because aluminum is more reactive.
- Zinc (Zn) can react with Mg(NO3)2 (magnesium nitrate) because magnesium is more reactive.
- Zinc (Zn) cannot react with Zn(NO3)2 (zinc nitrate) because both zinc atoms have similar reactivity.
- Zinc (Zn) cannot react with Cu(NO3)2 (copper nitrate) because copper is less reactive.
To summarize, zinc can react with aluminum nitrate (Al(NO3)3) and magnesium nitrate (Mg(NO3)2), but not with zinc nitrate (Zn(NO3)2) or copper nitrate (Cu(NO3)2).
Do you know how to tell?
Look up the activity series. You will find a long list of metals there. If Zn is ABOVE any ion, Zn will replace (displace) the ion from solution. Zn will not displace any ion ABOVE it in the activity series. For example, Mg will replace Ag^+ from solution and the following will take place BECAUSE Mg is above Ag ion.
Mg(s) + 2AgNO3(aq) ==> 2Ag(s) + Mg(NO3)2(aq)
However, the following will not take place.
Ag(s) + Mg(NO3)2 ==> no reaction BECAUSE Ag is BELOW Mg ion in the series.