Mg(s) + 2AgNO₃(aq) → Mg(NO₃)₂(aq) + 2Ag(s)
Explanation:
* Reactants:
* Magnesium (Mg): A silvery-white, reactive metal.
* Silver Nitrate (AgNO₃): A colorless, soluble ionic compound.
* Products:
* Magnesium Nitrate (Mg(NO₃)₂): A colorless, soluble ionic compound.
* Silver (Ag): A silvery-white, unreactive metal.
What happens:
This is a single displacement reaction. The more reactive magnesium displaces the less reactive silver from the silver nitrate solution.
1. Magnesium atoms lose electrons: Magnesium is oxidized, forming magnesium ions (Mg²⁺).
2. Silver ions gain electrons: Silver ions (Ag⁺) are reduced, forming solid silver (Ag) atoms.
3. Formation of magnesium nitrate: The magnesium ions and nitrate ions (NO₃⁻) combine to form magnesium nitrate, which dissolves in the water.
Key points:
* This reaction is exothermic (releases heat).
* You will observe the formation of a silvery solid (silver) on the magnesium strip and a change in the solution color.
