Question

When a copper wire was left in silver nitrate solution for sometime, it was observed that the solution turned bluish green.

(i) Explain the observation.

(ii) Write the balanced chemical equation to represent the change taking place.

Answer 1

(i) Copper is more reactive than silver. Hence, when copper wire is dipped in silver nitrate solution, it displaces silver from AgNO₃ solutions forming copper nitrate which is bluish green in colour

(ii) Cu+2AgNO₃ → Cu(NO₃)₂ +2Ag

 Cu(NO₃)₂ -Copper (II) nitrate bluish green

2Ag -Silver