Identify the type of reaction for each of the following as combination, decomposition, single replacement, double replacement, or combustion: (7.5) d. Zinc replaces copper in Cu(NO₃)₂.

Verified step by step guidance

1. Identify the reactants and products in the reaction: Zinc (Zn) and copper(II) nitrate (Cu(NO_3)_2) are the reactants, and copper (Cu) and zinc nitrate (Zn(NO_3)_2) are the products.
2. Recognize that one element (zinc) is replacing another element (copper) in a compound (copper(II) nitrate).
3. Understand that this type of reaction, where an element replaces another element in a compound, is known as a single replacement reaction.
4. Write the general form of a single replacement reaction: A + BC → AC + B, where A is a single element and BC is a compound.
5. Apply the general form to the given reaction: Zn + Cu(NO_3)_2 → Zn(NO_3)_2 + Cu, confirming it is a single replacement reaction.

Key Concepts

Single Replacement Reaction

A single replacement reaction occurs when one element replaces another in a compound. In this type of reaction, an element and a compound react to form a new element and a new compound. For example, in the reaction where zinc replaces copper in Cu(NO₃)₂, zinc displaces copper, resulting in the formation of zinc nitrate and elemental copper.

Reactivity Series

The reactivity series is a list of metals arranged in order of decreasing reactivity. It helps predict whether a single replacement reaction will occur; a more reactive metal can displace a less reactive metal from its compound. In the case of zinc and copper, zinc is higher in the reactivity series than copper, indicating that zinc can successfully replace copper in the reaction.

Chemical Equation

A chemical equation represents a chemical reaction using symbols and formulas. It shows the reactants on the left side and the products on the right side, with an arrow indicating the direction of the reaction. For the reaction of zinc with copper(II) nitrate, the balanced chemical equation would be Zn + Cu(NO₃)₂ → Zn(NO₃)₂ + Cu, illustrating the transformation of reactants into products.