Questions: Write the molecular equation for the reaction of copper metal with aqueous silver nitrate. Include physical states.

Transcript text: Write the molecular equation for the reaction of copper metal with aqueous silver nitrate. Include physical states.

Solution

Solution Steps

Step 1: Identify the Reactants and Products

The reactants in this reaction are copper metal (Cu) and aqueous silver nitrate (AgNO\(_3\)). The products are silver metal (Ag) and aqueous copper(II) nitrate (Cu(NO\(_3\))\(_2\)).

Step 2: Write the Unbalanced Molecular Equation

The unbalanced molecular equation for the reaction is: \[ \text{Cu (s)} + \text{AgNO}_3 \text{ (aq)} \rightarrow \text{Ag (s)} + \text{Cu(NO}_3\text{)}_2 \text{ (aq)} \]

Step 3: Balance the Molecular Equation

To balance the equation, ensure that the number of atoms of each element is the same on both sides of the equation. The balanced molecular equation is: \[ \text{Cu (s)} + 2\text{AgNO}_3 \text{ (aq)} \rightarrow 2\text{Ag (s)} + \text{Cu(NO}_3\text{)}_2 \text{ (aq)} \]