Using the following portion of the activity series for oxidation half reactions Mg(s)→ Mg²⁺(aq)+ 2e^- Zn(s)→ Zn²⁺(aq)+ 2e^- Cu(s)→ Cu²⁺(aq)+ 2e^- indicate which pairs of reactions will occur. A)Cu(s)with Zn²⁺(aq)and Zn(s)with Mg²⁺(aq) B)Mg(s)with Cu²⁺(aq)and Zn²⁺(aq)with Mg²⁺(aq) C)Mg(s)with Cu(s)and Zn(s)with Cu(s) D)Mg(s)with Zn²⁺(aq)and Zn(s)with Cu²⁺(aq)

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

In each pair, the reaction will occur only if the metal on the left (in the oxidation reaction) is higher on the activity series than the metal on the right (in the reduction reaction). 
Therefore, for pair A, Cu is lower than Zn and therefore the reaction will not occur. For pair B, Cu is higher than Mg and therefore the reaction will not occur. For pair C, all three metals are on the same side of the activity series and therefore the reactions will not occur. 
For pair D, Mg is higher than Zn and therefore the reaction will occur, while Zn is higher than Cu and therefore the reaction will also occur.

Using the Following Portion of the Activity Series for Oxidation