Question

1. for each pair of reactants, will there be a reaction?

zn(s) + cuso₄(aq)
zn(s) + hcl(aq)
cd(s) + h₂so₄(aq)
ni(s) + li₂co₃(aq)

Explanation:

Step1: Check metal activity series

According to the metal activity series, \(Zn\) is more active than \(Cu\). So \(Zn\) can displace \(Cu\) from \(CuSO_{4}\) solution.

$$Zn(s)+CuSO_{4}(aq)=ZnSO_{4}(aq)+Cu(s)$$

Step2: Analyze reaction of \(Zn\) and \(HCl\)

\(Zn\) is above \(H\) in the metal activity series. \(Zn\) reacts with \(HCl\) to produce \(H_{2}\) gas.

$$Zn(s)+2HCl(aq)=ZnCl_{2}(aq)+H_{2}(g)$$

Step3: Consider reaction of \(Cd\) and \(H_{2}SO_{4}\)

\(Cd\) is above \(H\) in the metal activity series. \(Cd\) reacts with \(H_{2}SO_{4}\) (dilute).

$$Cd(s)+H_{2}SO_{4}(aq)=CdSO_{4}(aq)+H_{2}(g)$$

Step4: Examine reaction of \(Ni\) and \(Li_{2}CO_{3}\)

\(Li\) is more active than \(Ni\) in the metal activity series. \(Ni\) cannot displace \(Li\) from \(Li_{2}CO_{3}\) solution. So there is no reaction.

Answer:

\(Zn(s)+CuSO_{4}(aq)\): Reaction
\(Zn(s)+HCl(aq)\): Reaction
\(Cd(s)+H_{2}SO_{4}(aq)\): Reaction
\(Ni(s)+Li_{2}CO_{3}(aq)\): No reaction