Chapter 19, Problem 51R

To determine

To explain: The reaction which takes place by placing the electrode in the given solution.

Answer to Problem 51R

By placing the zinc in the $\text{Cu}{\left({\text{NO}}_{\text{3}}\right)}_{\text{2}}$ solution, Zn will displace the Cu and form the solution of $\text{Zn}{\left({\text{NO}}_{\text{3}}\right)}_{\text{2}}$ . But when copper is placed in the $\text{Zn}{\left({\text{NO}}_{\text{3}}\right)}_{\text{2}}$ solution then no reaction occurred because copper is less reactive as compared to the zinc metal.

Explanation of Solution

Introduction:

Elements displace one another in a chemical reaction on the basis of their reactivity. Zinc metal is highly reactive as compared to the copper metal.

Zinc metal is highly reactive as compared to the copper metal. Therefore, when zinc is placed in the $\text{Cu}{\left({\text{NO}}_{\text{3}}\right)}_{\text{2}}$ solution then zinc easily displace the copper and form $\text{Zn}{\left({\text{NO}}_{\text{3}}\right)}_{\text{2}}$ . But when copper is placed in the $\text{Zn}{\left({\text{NO}}_{\text{3}}\right)}_{\text{2}}$ solution then no reaction is takes place because copper cannot displace zinc metal due to the less reactivity.

Conclusion:

Thus, zinc displace the copper to form $\text{Cu}{\left({\text{NO}}_{\text{3}}\right)}_{\text{2}}$ solution and reaction takes place.