Chapter 10, Problem 12STP

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation:

The method to determine the given sample of metal with the help of KCl, ${\text{AlCl}}_{\text{3}}$, ${\text{FeCl}}_{\text{3}}$ and ${\text{CuCl}}_2$ solutions needs to be explained.

Concept introduction:

The metal reactivity series is the sequence of metals from high reactivity to low reactivity.

The top metals are very reactive and can displace the lower metals from their aqueous solution.

Answer to Problem 12STP

Lithium is the most reactive metal therefore it will replace all other metals from their aqueous solution to fore respective ions. Lead is lesser reactive than K and Al therefore it cannot replace K, Al and Fe from their aqueous solution whereas it can displace Cu from its solution.

Zinc is lesser reactive then K and Al it cannot replace K and Al from their aqueous solution whereas it can displace Fe and Cu from its solution.

Explanation of Solution

Given information:

Metals = Zinc, lead or lithium

Metal reactivity series can use to identify the sample metal with $\text{KCl}$, ${\text{AlCl}}_{\text{3}}$, ${\text{FeCl}}_{\text{3}}$ and ${\text{CuCl}}_2$ solutions.

Metal	$\text{KCl}$	${\text{AlCl}}_{\text{3}}$	${\text{FeCl}}_{\text{3}}$	${\text{CuCl}}_2$
Lithium	Will react and form LiCl with K	Will react and form LiCl with Al	Will react and form LiCl with Fe	Will react and form LiCl with Cu
Lead	No reaction	No reaction	No reaction	Will react and form PbCl2 and Cu
Zinc	No reaction	No reaction	Will react and form ZnCl2 and Fe	Will react and form ZnCl2 and Cu

Lithium is the most reactive metal therefore it will replace all other metals from their aqueous solution to fore respective ions. Lead is lesser reactive than K and Al therefore it cannot replace K, Al and Fe from their aqueous solution whereas it can displace Cu from its solution.

Zinc is lesser reactive then K and Al it cannot replace K and Al from their aqueous solution whereas it can displace Fe and Cu from its solution.

Conclusion

The reactivity of metal in metal reactivity series is used to check their reactivity with respect to other metals.