Chapter 21, Problem 28A

(a)

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation: The metal which can easily be oxidized from Hg and Cu needs to be explained.

Concept Introduction: If metals lose electron/s, oxidation takes place. If the activity series of metals is examined taking hydrogen as a reference, the metals above hydrogen can easily get oxidized and metals below hydrogen can easily get reduced (as they have more reduction potential value).

Explanation of Solution

On moving top to bottom in the activity series, the reduction electrode potential increases thus, metals can easily get reduced. Thus, metals placed above in the activity series can be easily oxidized.

On comparing Hg and Cu, Cu is placed above Hg in the activity series; thus, it is more reactive and can readily be oxidized.

(b)

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation: The metal which can easily be oxidized from Ca and Al needs to be explained.

Concept Introduction: If metals lose electron/s, oxidation takes place. If the activity series of metals is examined taking hydrogen as a reference, the metals above hydrogen can easily get oxidized and metals below hydrogen can easily get reduced (as they have more reduction potential value).

Explanation of Solution

On moving top to bottom in the activity series, the reduction electrode potential increases thus, metals can easily get reduced. Thus, metals placed above in the activity series can be easily oxidized.

On comparing Ca and Al, Ca is placed above Al in the activity series thus, it is more reactive and can readily be oxidized.

(b)

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation: The metal which can easily be oxidized from Ni and Mg needs to be explained.

Concept Introduction: If metals lose electron/s, oxidation takes place. If the activity series of metals is examined taking hydrogen as a reference, the metals above hydrogen can easily get oxidized and metals below hydrogen can easily get reduced (as they have more reduction potential value).

Explanation of Solution

On moving top to bottom in the activity series, the reduction electrode potential increases thus, metals can easily get reduced. Thus, metals placed above in the activity series can be easily oxidized.

On comparing Ni and Mg, Mg is placed above Ni in the activity series thus, it is more reactive and can readily be oxidized.

(c)

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation: The metal which can easily be oxidized from Sn and Ag needs to be explained.

Concept Introduction: If metals lose electron/s, oxidation takes place. If the activity series of metals is examined taking hydrogen as a reference, the metals above hydrogen can easily get oxidized and metals below hydrogen can easily get reduced (as they have more reduction potential value).

Explanation of Solution

On moving top to bottom in the activity series, the reduction electrode potential increases thus, metals can easily get reduced. Thus, metals placed above in the activity series can be easily oxidized.

On comparing Sn and Ag, Sn is placed above Ag in the activity series; thus, Sn is more reactive and can readily be oxidized.

(d)

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation: The metal which can easily be oxidized from Pb and Zn needs to be explained.

Concept Introduction: If metals lose electron/s, oxidation takes place. If the activity series of metals is examined taking hydrogen as a reference, the metals above hydrogen can easily get oxidized and metals below hydrogen can easily get reduced (as they have more reduction potential value).

Explanation of Solution

On moving top to bottom in the activity series, the reduction electrode potential increases thus, metals can easily get reduced. Thus, metals placed above in the activity series can be easily oxidized.

On comparing Pb and Zn, Zn is placed above Pb in the activity series; thus, it is more reactive and readily oxidized.

(e)

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation: The metal which can easily be oxidized from Cu and Al needs to be explained.

Concept Introduction: If metals lose electron/s, oxidation takes place. If the activity series of metals is examined taking hydrogen as a reference, the metals above hydrogen can easily get oxidized and metals below hydrogen can easily get reduced (as they have more reduction potential value).

Explanation of Solution

On moving top to bottom in the activity series, the reduction electrode potential increases; thus, metals can easily get reduced. Thus, metals placed above in the activity series can be easily oxidized as it has low reduction electrode potential.

On comparing Cu and Al, Al is placed above Cu in the activity series thus, it is more reactive and can readily be oxidized to ${\text{Al}}^{3+}$ .