Reaction:

When a copper coin is immersed in a silver nitrate solution, a displacement reaction occurs. Copper is more reactive than silver, so it will displace silver from the solution.

Word Equation:

Copper + Silver Nitrate → Copper Nitrate + Silver

Explanation:

* Copper (Cu) is a more reactive metal than silver (Ag).

* Silver nitrate (AgNO3) is a colorless solution.

* The copper atoms will lose electrons and become copper ions (Cu2+), forming copper nitrate (Cu(NO3)2), which is also in solution.

* The silver ions (Ag+) will gain electrons and become silver atoms (Ag), which will plate out onto the surface of the copper coin as a shiny, metallic coating.

Observations:

* You would see a silvery coating forming on the copper coin.

* The silver nitrate solution would turn blue-green as copper nitrate forms.

Note: This is a classic example of a single displacement reaction, where a more reactive metal displaces a less reactive metal from its compound.