Pb(s) + 2AgNO₃(aq) → Pb(NO₃)₂(aq) + 2Ag(s)
Here's a breakdown of the reaction:
* Pb(s): Lead foil is in its solid state.
* AgNO₃(aq): Silver nitrate is dissolved in water, making it an aqueous solution.
* Pb(NO₃)₂(aq): Lead(II) nitrate is also dissolved in water and forms as a product.
* 2Ag(s): Silver is produced as a solid precipitate.
Explanation:
This reaction is a single displacement reaction. Lead is more reactive than silver, so it displaces silver from the silver nitrate solution. The lead atoms react with the nitrate ions (NO₃⁻) to form lead(II) nitrate, while the silver ions (Ag⁺) are reduced to solid silver.
Key points:
* The coefficients in front of each chemical formula represent the stoichiometric ratios of the reactants and products.
* The equation is balanced because the number of atoms of each element is the same on both sides of the equation.
* The reaction is exothermic, meaning it releases heat.
* You'll observe a silvery coating forming on the lead foil as the silver precipitate forms.
