Chapter U5.18, Problem 3E

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation: The results observed on pairing zinc nitrate, ${\text{Zn(NO}}_{\text{3}}{\text{)}}_{\text{2}}$ with solid iron should be determined.

Concept Introduction: In order to determine the products formed due to single displacement reaction a series of metals are arranged in reactivity order from highest to lowest. This reactivity series helps in predicting the which cation will replace the other from its aqueous solution. A less reactive metal is displaced by more reactive metal.

Answer to Problem 3E

Iron is less reactive in comparison to zinc and thus, it is unable to displace the zinc and no reaction occurs.

Explanation of Solution

In order to determine whether any reaction will takes place or not on pairing zinc nitrate, ${\text{Zn(NO}}_{\text{3}}{\text{)}}_{\text{2}}$ with solid iron, the position of both the ions in the reactivity series should be checked and if in the reactivity series, the iron is placed above the zinc then it will displace the zinc in zinc nitrate but if iron is present below the zinc then it won’t be able to displace zinc due to low reactivity.

On comparing both the metals on reactivity series, the iron is placed below the zinc that means iron is less reactive in comparison to zinc and thus, it is unable to displace the zinc and no reaction occurs.