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Chapter 8: Problem 49

Use the activity series to predict whether the following reactions are possible. Explain your answers. $$\text {a}.\mathrm{Ni}(s)+\mathrm{MgSO}_{4}(a q) \longrightarrow{\mathrm{NiSO}_{4}(a q)+\mathrm{Mg}(s)}$$ $$\begin{array}{r}{\text { b. } 3 \mathrm{Mg}(s)+\mathrm{Al}_{2}\left(\mathrm{SO}_{4}\right)_{3}(a q) \longrightarrow} {3 \mathrm{MgSO}_{4}(a q)+2 \mathrm{Al}(s)}\end{array}$$ $$\text{c} \cdot \mathrm{Pb}(s)+2 \mathrm{H}_{2} \mathrm{O}(l) \longrightarrow{\mathrm{Pb}(\mathrm{OH})_{2}(a q)+\mathrm{H}_{2}(g)} $$

Short Answer

Expert verified
(a) The reaction does not occur. (b) The reaction occurs. (c) The reaction does not occur under normal conditions.

Step by step solution

01

Reference the Activity Series

First confirm the activity series of the metals. For part (a), we have Nickel (Ni) and Magnesium (Mg). In the reactivity series, Magnesium is placed higher than Nickel. For part (b), we are considering Magnesium (Mg) and Aluminum (Al), where Magnesium is higher in the reactivity series as compared to Aluminum. Lastly, for part (c), we have Lead (Pb), Hydrogen (H) and water (H₂O). Even though Hydrogen is not a metal, it's usually included in the activity series with Lead being more reactive than Hydrogen.
02

Predict the Possibility of Reactions

Using the activity series, predict if the reactions will occur. For part (a), the reaction will not occur because Nickel can’t displace Magnesium from its compound (since Magnesium is higher in the activity series). For part (b), the reaction will occur as Magnesium can displace Aluminum from its compound (since Magnesium is higher in the activity series). Part (c) is a bit tricky as Lead reacting with water would require the Lead to be more reactive than Hydrogen, which it is, but it's not as reactive as to displace Hydrogen from water under normal conditions.
03

Provide the Explanation for your Predictions

Lastly explain your prediction based on the activity series. For part (a), since Nickel is less reactive than Magnesium, it cannot displace Magnesium from its compound. Hence, the reaction does not occur. For part (b), Magnesium being more reactive can easily displace Aluminum, making the reaction possible. For part (c), though Lead is more reactive than Hydrogen, but it's not enough to displace Hydrogen from water under normal conditions, hence the reaction does not occur.

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