Question

aluminum shavings
the activity series of metals
which of the following is most likely to happen?
choose 1 answer:
a no chemical reaction will occur.
b aluminum is reduced and silver is oxidized.
c aluminum is oxidized and silver is reduced.
d nitrogen is oxidized and oxygen is reduced.

Explanation:

To determine the correct answer, we analyze the activity series of metals. Aluminum (Al) is more reactive than silver (Ag). In a redox reaction, a more reactive metal (Al) will be oxidized (lose electrons), and a less reactive metal (Ag, if present as an ion) will be reduced (gain electrons). Let's evaluate each option:

• Option A: Incorrect. Since Al is reactive and can participate in redox reactions (e.g., with silver ions), a reaction can occur.
• Option B: Incorrect. The more reactive metal (Al) is oxidized, not reduced; the less reactive metal (Ag) is reduced, not oxidized.
• Option C: Correct. Al (more reactive) is oxidized (loses electrons), and Ag (less reactive, if in a compound like \( \text{Ag}^+ \)) is reduced (gains electrons).
• Option D: Incorrect. The question involves aluminum and silver (metals), not nitrogen and oxygen.

Answer:

C. Aluminum is oxidized and silver is reduced.