When a copper wire is dipped into silver nitrate solution, silver is precipitated because

Options

A. both silver and copper have positive reduction potentials
B. reduction potential of silver is higher than that of copper
C. reduction potential of copper is higher than that of silver
D. both silver and copper have negative reduction potentials.

Answer

**Step-by-Step Solution:**

1. **Understanding the Reaction**: When a copper wire is dipped into a silver nitrate (AgNO3) solution, a reaction occurs where silver ions (Ag⁺) in the solution are reduced to solid silver (Ag), and copper (Cu) is oxidized.

2. **Identifying the Ions**: In the AgNO3 solution, silver exists as Ag⁺ ions. When the copper wire is introduced, these Ag⁺ ions will interact with the copper.

3. **Oxidation and Reduction**:
- **Oxidation**: Copper (Cu) loses electrons and is oxidized to Cu²⁺ ions.
- **Reduction**: Silver ions (Ag⁺) gain electrons and are reduced to solid silver (Ag).

4. **Half-Reactions**:
- The oxidation half-reaction for copper can be written as:
\[ \text{Cu} \rightarrow \text{Cu}^{2+} + 2e^- \]
- The reduction half-reaction for silver can be written as:
\[ 2\text{Ag}^+ + 2e^- \rightarrow 2\text{Ag} \]

5. **Overall Reaction**: Combining the half-reactions gives the overall balanced reaction:
\[ 2\text{Ag}^+ + \text{Cu} \rightarrow \text{Cu(NO}_3\text{)}_2 + 2\text{Ag} \]

6. **Electrochemical Series**: The reason for the precipitation of silver is related to the electrochemical series. Silver has a higher reduction potential compared to copper. This means that Ag⁺ ions can be reduced more easily than Cu²⁺ ions can be reduced.

7. **Conclusion**: Since the reduction potential of silver is higher than that of copper, the reaction is feasible, leading to the precipitation of silver when copper is dipped into the silver nitrate solution.

**Final Answer**: Silver is precipitated because the reduction potential of silver is higher than that of copper.

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