Question #bf3a3

1 Answer
Stefan V.
Sep 29, 2016

Zn(s)+Cu(NO3)2(aq)→Zn(NO3)2(aq)+Cu(s)

Explanation:

When you add a strip of zinc metal to a solution of copper(II) nitrate, a single replacement reaction takes place.

Zinc will displace copper from the solution. This will result in the formation of aqueous zinc nitrate, Zn(NO3)2, and copper metal, Cu.

Zn(s)+Cu(NO3)2(aq)→Zn(NO3)2(aq)+Cu(s)

The nitrate anions, NO−3, are spectator ions here, which means that you can remove them to get the net ionic equation

Zn(s)+Cu2+(aq)→Zn2+(aq)+Cu(s)

Another way to think about this reaction involves recognizing the fact that electrons are being transferred here, which implies that this is also a redox reaction.

Zinc metal reduces copper cations, Cu2+, to copper metal while being oxidized to zinc cations, Zn2+, in the process.

You have

Zn(s)→Zn2+(aq)+2e−

Cu2+(aq)+2e−→Cu(s)
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Zn(s)+Cu2+(aq)→Zn2+(aq)+Cu(s)

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