If a piece of zinc metal is added to the following solutions, will a reaction be expected? If so, write the equation for the reaction.

a AlCl3

b AgNO3

c SnCl2

d CuSO4

 

In my textbook it says the answers are:

 

A33.

a no - but why?

b Zn(s) + AgNO3(aq) ---> Zn(NO3)2(aq) + Ag(s) - the NO3 isn't balanced here!

c Zn(s) + SnCl2(aq) ---> ZnCl2(aq) + Sn(s) - why is it that the Cl2 reacts with Zn and not Sn?

d Zn(s) + CuSO4(aq) ---> ZnSO4(aq) + Cu(s) - why is it that SO4 reacts with Zn but not Cu in CuSO4?

i suggest you look up the electrochemical series and be careful to note the position of each of the metals on the list.

 

also, the lack of balancing with the NO3 is probably just because they only want to indicate that the two chemicals react and the stoichiometry isn't too important.