Of the metals Pb, Mg, Au, and Na, which will not spontaneously donate electrons to copper in solution?
The metals ABOVE Cu will. The metal BELOW Cu will not.
http://www.files.chem.vt.edu/RVGS/ACT/notes/activity_series.html
To determine which metal will not spontaneously donate electrons to copper in solution, we need to compare their standard reduction potentials. The metal with a higher standard reduction potential is more likely to donate electrons.
The standard reduction potential of copper is +0.34 V.
Let's compare the standard reduction potentials of the given metals:
- Lead (Pb): The standard reduction potential of lead is -0.13 V.
- Magnesium (Mg): The standard reduction potential of magnesium is -2.37 V.
- Gold (Au): The standard reduction potential of gold is +1.50 V.
- Sodium (Na): The standard reduction potential of sodium is -2.71 V.
Based on the comparison, gold (Au) will not spontaneously donate electrons to copper in solution because its standard reduction potential is higher than that of copper.
To determine which metal will not spontaneously donate electrons to copper in a solution, we need to compare their standard reduction potentials. The metal with a lower reduction potential compared to copper will not donate electrons spontaneously.
The reduction potentials can be found in a standard reduction potential table. Let's find one:
1. Open a web browser.
2. Search for "standard reduction potential table."
3. Click on a reliable source, such as a chemistry textbook or a reputable educational website.
Once you have the table, look for the reduction potential of copper (Cu) and compare it to the reduction potentials of the given metals (Pb, Mg, Au, and Na).
If the reduction potential of a metal is higher than that of copper (Cu), it means that metal will spontaneously donate electrons to copper in solution. On the other hand, if the reduction potential is lower than that of copper (Cu), it means that metal will not donate electrons spontaneously.
Based on the comparison, the metal that will not spontaneously donate electrons to copper is gold (Au) as its reduction potential is lower than that of copper (Cu).