When copper metal is placed in a solution of silver nitrate, a layer of silver metal is formed on the surface of the copper. This is a classic example of a single displacement reaction.

Here's the breakdown:

* Copper (Cu) is more reactive than silver (Ag). This means copper can displace silver from its compound.

* In the solution, silver nitrate (AgNO₃) is present as silver ions (Ag⁺) and nitrate ions (NO₃⁻).

* Copper atoms donate electrons to silver ions, causing the silver ions to become neutral silver atoms (Ag).

* The copper atoms become copper ions (Cu²⁺) and enter the solution.

* The overall reaction is: Cu(s) + 2AgNO₃(aq) → Cu(NO₃)₂(aq) + 2Ag(s)

The silver metal formed on the surface of the copper is what you will observe. This reaction is often used to demonstrate the concept of reactivity series in chemistry.