Answer to Question #161306 in General Chemistry for mike

Question

 Explain using an appropriate equation, why it would not be advisable to use an iron spatula to stir a solution of silver nitrate.

Answer 1

Iron should not be used to stir a solution of Silver Nitrate because Iron is more electropositive than silver and it will displace silver from the nitrate solution.

The equation of reaction that will occur is:

Fe(s) + 2AgNO3(aq) --------> Fe(NO3)2(aq) + 2Ag(s)

Net ionic equation:

Fe + 2Ag⁺ ------> Fe²⁺ + 2Ag