The left side of a chemical reaction is shown. Cu + AgNO3 --- which type of reaction will the reactants go?

1 answer

The reaction between copper (Cu) and silver nitrate (AgNO₃) is an example of a single displacement reaction (also known as a single replacement reaction). In this type of reaction, one element replaces another in a compound.

In this case, copper will displace silver from silver nitrate because copper is more reactive than silver. The complete reaction can be represented as follows:

\[ \text{Cu} + 2 \text{AgNO}_3 \rightarrow \text{Cu(NO}_3\text{)}_2 + 2 \text{Ag} \]

Here, copper(II) nitrate (Cu(NO₃)₂) is formed, and silver (Ag) is released.