* Copper is more reactive than silver. This means copper will displace silver from its compound.
* Copper reacts with silver nitrate to form copper(II) nitrate (Cu(NO₃)₂) and metallic silver (Ag).
The chemical equation for this reaction is:
Cu + 2AgNO₃ → Cu(NO₃)₂ + 2Ag
Observations:
* You'll see a silver coating forming on the surface of the copper. This is the metallic silver being displaced.
* The solution will change color from colorless to blue, which indicates the formation of copper(II) nitrate.
This is a classic example of a single displacement reaction, and it's a good way to demonstrate the relative reactivity of metals.
