Question

identify whether each pair of reactants will react or not react.
react
al(s) + cuso₄(aq)
ca(s) + pb(no₃)₂(aq)
ag(s) + hno₃(aq)
do not react
zn²⁺(aq) + sncl₂(aq)

Explanation:

Step1: Check metal reactivity for Al+CuSO₄

Al is more reactive than Cu, so single displacement occurs:

$$2\text{Al}(s) + 3\text{CuSO}_4(aq) ightarrow \text{Al}_2(\text{SO}_4)_3(aq) + 3\text{Cu}(s)$$

Step2: Check metal reactivity for Ca+Pb(NO₃)₂

Ca is more reactive than Pb, so single displacement occurs:

$$\text{Ca}(s) + \text{Pb(NO}_3\text{)}_2(aq) ightarrow \text{Ca(NO}_3\text{)}_2(aq) + \text{Pb}(s)$$

Step3: Check reactivity for Ag+HNO₃

$\text{HNO}_3$ is a strong oxidizing acid, so redox reaction occurs:

$$3\text{Ag}(s) + 4\text{HNO}_3(aq) ightarrow 3\text{AgNO}_3(aq) + \text{NO}(g) + 2\text{H}_2\text{O}(l)$$

Step4: Check reactivity for Zn²⁺+SnCl₂

Zn is more reactive than Sn; $\text{Zn}^{2+}$ cannot oxidize $\text{Sn}^{2+}$, so no reaction.

Answer:

React:

$\text{Al}(s) + \text{CuSO}_4(aq)$
$\text{Ca}(s) + \text{Pb(NO}_3\text{)}_2(aq)$
$\text{Ag}(s) + \text{HNO}_3(aq)$

Do not react:

$\text{Zn}^{2+}(aq) + \text{SnCl}_2(aq)$