Copper Reduction of Silver Ion
Cu + 2Ag+ → Cu2+ + 2Ag
Overview
Copper metal reduces silver ions to metallic silver while being oxidized to Cu²⁺. Silver deposits on the copper surface in beautiful dendritic crystal formations. The cell potential of +0.46 V (E°(Ag⁺/Ag) - E°(Cu²⁺/Cu) = 0.80 - 0.34) drives this spontaneous reaction.
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 tree experiment, where a copper wire in silver nitrate solution grows beautiful silver crystal dendrites, is a popular science demonstration.
Industrial Importance
Silver cementation by copper is used in silver recovery from photographic and electronic waste solutions.
Properties
- Type
- Redox
- Reversible
- No
- Energy
- Exothermic
- ΔH
- -146.4 kJ/mol
Related Reactions
Aqua Regia Dissolving Gold
Bleaching with Sodium Hypochlorite
Cerium(IV) Reduction by Iron(II)
Chlorine Oxidation of Bromide
Chromate-Dichromate Equilibrium
Contact Process SO₂ Oxidation
Copper Displaced by Iron
Copper Oxidation by Nitric Acid
Copper Patina Formation (Verdigris)
Dichromate Oxidation of Ethanol
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the equation for Copper Reduction of Silver Ion?
The balanced equation is: Cu + 2Ag⁺ → Cu²⁺ + 2Ag.
What type of reaction is Copper Reduction of Silver Ion?
Copper Reduction of Silver Ion is a redox reaction.
Is Copper Reduction of Silver Ion exothermic or endothermic?
Copper Reduction of Silver Ion is exothermic (releases energy). The enthalpy change (ΔH) is -146.4 kJ/mol.