Copper Displacing Silver from Silver Nitrate
Cu + 2AgNO3 → Cu(NO3)2 + 2Ag
Overview
Copper metal displaces silver from silver nitrate solution because copper is more reactive than silver. Silver crystals grow on the copper surface in beautiful tree-like formations (dendrites), while the solution turns blue from dissolved copper nitrate. This produces one of the most visually stunning chemistry demonstrations.
Participants
| Role | Substance | Coefficient | State |
|---|---|---|---|
| Reactant | Copper Cu | 1 | (s) |
| Reactant | Silver Nitrate AgNO₃ | 2 | (aq) |
| Product | Silver Ag | 2 | (s) |
Everyday Example
The silver crystal tree experiment, where a copper wire is placed in silver nitrate solution, is a popular science fair project and chemistry demonstration.
Industrial Importance
Silver recovery from photographic waste solutions uses copper cementation based on this reaction principle.
Properties
- Type
- Single Replacement
- Reversible
- No
- Energy
- Exothermic
- ΔH
- -146.4 kJ/mol
Related Reactions
Aluminum Reacting with Hydrochloric Acid
Aluminum Reacting with Iron(III) Oxide (Thermite)
Aluminum Reducing Chromium Oxide (Aluminothermic)
Calcium Reacting with Water
Carbon Reducing Iron Oxide in Blast Furnace
Chlorine Displacing Bromine from Sodium Bromide
Chlorine Displacing Iodine from Potassium Iodide
Fluorine Displacing Chlorine from Sodium Chloride
Hydrogen Reducing Copper Oxide
Iron Displacing Copper from Copper Sulfate
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the equation for Copper Displacing Silver from Silver Nitrate?
The balanced equation is: Cu + 2AgNO₃ → Cu(NO₃)₂ + 2Ag.
What type of reaction is Copper Displacing Silver from Silver Nitrate?
Copper Displacing Silver from Silver Nitrate is a single replacement reaction.
Is Copper Displacing Silver from Silver Nitrate exothermic or endothermic?
Copper Displacing Silver from Silver Nitrate is exothermic (releases energy). The enthalpy change (ΔH) is -146.4 kJ/mol.