Question

Why does the reaction H2O + Cu→no reaction not proceed to a product?

Responses

Copper has a lower activity than hydrogen and cannot replace it.

Copper has a lower activity than hydrogen and cannot replace it.

The reaction proceeds too slowly to create products.

The reaction proceeds too slowly to create products.

Copper has a higher activity than hydrogen and cannot replace it.

Copper has a higher activity than hydrogen and cannot replace it.

The reaction cannot occur because water is a reactant.

Answer 1

Correct answer: "Copper has a lower activity than hydrogen and cannot replace it."

Explanation: In the activity (reactivity) series copper is below hydrogen, so metallic Cu does not oxidize to Cu2+ while reducing H2O/H+ to H2. Only metals more reactive than hydrogen can displace hydrogen from water or acids. (Kinetics or the fact that water is a reactant are not the reasons here.)