The chemical equation \( \text{Cu} + 2 \text{AgNO}_3 \rightarrow \text{Cu(NO}_3\text{)}_2 + 2 \text{Ag} \) illustrates the reaction between copper (Cu) and silver nitrate (AgNO₃). This equation states that when one atom of copper reacts with two formula units of silver nitrate, it displaces silver (Ag) and forms copper(II) nitrate (Cu(NO₃)₂) and metallic silver.
Explanation:
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Reactants: The reactants in this reaction are copper (a solid metal) and silver nitrate (an aqueous solution). Copper is a more reactive metal than silver in the context of this displacement reaction.
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Displacement Reaction: The reaction is classified as a single displacement reaction, where one element (copper) displaces another element (silver) from its compound (silver nitrate).
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Product Formation: The products of the reaction include copper(II) nitrate, which remains in solution, and solid silver, which is precipitated out of the solution. This change can often be observed as the color of the solution may alter due to the formation of copper(II) nitrate, and shiny metallic silver will form as a residue.
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Stoichiometry: The coefficients in the balanced equation show the molar relationship between the reactants and products. Here, two moles of silver nitrate are required for every mole of copper, producing one mole of copper(II) nitrate and two moles of silver.
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Conservation of Mass: The reaction adheres to the law of conservation of mass, meaning the total number of atoms of each element is the same on both sides of the reaction. There are two silver atoms and one copper atom among the reactants which correspond to the two silver atoms and one copper atom in the products.
In summary, this chemical equation concisely encapsulates the transformation that occurs during the reaction, showing how copper, through its displacement of silver from silver nitrate, forms a new compound while liberating metallic silver, thus illustrating fundamental concepts of reactivity, stoichiometry, and conservation of mass in chemical reactions.