The following experiments were carried out and observations recorded.
Expt. #1: copper metal was added to an aqueous solution of silver nitrate Observation: The copper become coated with a substance.
Expt. #2: lead metal was added to an aqueous solution of copper(II) nitrate
Observation: The lead turned black and crumbled.
Expt. #3: zinc metal was added to an aqueous solution of lead(II) nitrate
Observation: The zinc appeared to fall apart.Which, if any, of the following properly ranks the metals from most active to least active.
A) Most active Pb, next most active Zn, next most active Cu, least active Ag
B) Most active Zn, next most active Ag, next most active Cu, least active Pb
C) Most active Zn, next most active Cu, next most active Pb, least active Ag
D) Most active Zn, next most active Pb, next most active Cu, least active Ag
E) None of the above

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The reactivity series of metals is based on their ability to displace ions in aqueous solutions of other metals. In Experiment 1, copper is less reactive than silver and therefore cannot displace the silver ions from the aqueous solution. Instead, a redox reaction occurs, with the copper atoms losing electrons to the silver ions and becoming coated with silver. In Experiment 2, lead is more reactive than copper and can displace the copper ions from the aqueous solution, forming solid lead(II) nitrate and copper metal. In Experiment 3, zinc is more reactive than lead and can displace the lead ions from the aqueous solution, forming solid zinc nitrate and lead metal. Therefore, the order of reactivity from most to least active is Zn > Pb > Cu > Ag, which is represented in choice D.

The Following Experiments Were Carried Out and Observations Recorded