Question

When a copper coin is dipped in the solution of silver nitrate, it shows a lustre on its surface. Explain this process with the help of a chemical equation.

Answer 1

1. Copper is more reactive than silver. Therefore, copper displaces silver from its salt solution, silver nitrate. The glittering white deposit of silver metal is formed on the copper coin. Hence, when a copper coin is dipped in the solution of silver nitrate, it shows a lustre on its surface after some time.
2. The reaction is as follows:
   \[\ce{\underset{\text{Copper}}{Cu_{(s)}} + \underset{\text{nitrate}}{\underset{\text{Silver}}{2AgNO_{3(aq)}}} -> \underset{\text{nitrate}}{\underset{\text{Copper (II)}}{Cu(NO3)_{2(aq)}}} + \underset{\text{Silver}}{2Ag_{(s)}}}\]