Question

You are given a solution of \[{\text{AgN}}{{\text{O}}_{\text{3}}}\], which of the following do you think cannot displace \[{\text{Ag}}\] from \[{\text{AgN}}{{\text{O}}_{\text{3}}}\] solution?
A. magnesium
B. zinc
C. gold
D. copper

Answer 1

Hint: Metals can be arranged based on their order of reactivity, called the reactivity series. The more reactive metals are arranged on top of the series. The more reactive metals can displace less reactive metal from their salt solution.

Complete step by step answer:
The reactivity series of metals, called the activity series, refers to the arrangement of metals in the decreasing order of their reactivities. Metals are substances that readily lose electrons and form cations. They also react with atmospheric oxygen to form metal oxides. But different metals have different reactivities towards oxygen. All these properties are explained by the reactivity series of metals.
The decreasing order of reactivity of some metals are,
Potassium, sodium, calcium, magnesium, aluminium, zinc, iron, lead, hydrogen, copper, silver, gold.
Some of its features are,
A. The metals at the top of the reactivity series are strong reducing agents as they can be easily oxidized. These metals corrode very easily.
B. The reducing ability of the metals decreases down the series.
C. The electropositivity of the elements decreases down the reactivity series of metals.
D. All metals above hydrogen in the activity series can liberate hydrogen gas on reacting with acids.
Metals that are present higher on the reactivity series can displace metals that are placed lower from their salt solutions. In the above question, gold is the only element present below silver, as it is less reactive than silver. So, it cannot displace silver from its salt​ solution.

So, the correct answer is Option C .

Note: Non-metal has a relatively low boiling point, and most non-metals are gases and non-metals are poor heat conductors, and solid non-metals are dull and brittle. Some of them are strongly reactive, while others are in no way reactive.

Metals can react with water to form the corresponding hydroxide, liberating hydrogen gas. They react with acids to form metal salt with the liberation of hydrogen gas. They are good conductors of heat and electricity.