Which redox reaction would most likely occur if silver and zinc metal were added to a solution that contained silver and zinc ions?
Click for a reduction potential chart
O A. Zn2+ + 2Ag → Zn + 2Agt
B. Zn2+ + 2Agt → Zn + 2Ag
C. Zn + 2Ag → Zn2+ + 2Ag+
D. Zn + Ag? → Zn2+ + 2Ag

Zn²⁺ + 2Ag → Zn + 2Ag⁺

Explanation:

According to the reduction potential chart, silver ion (Ag⁺) is a stronger oxidizing agent than zinc (Zn), which is a reducing agent the compared to silver

Therefore, the redox reaction that will occur is that the zinc, Zn, will be oxidized to Zn²⁺ ion, while the silver, Ag²⁺ ion will be reduced to silver deposits Ag, therefore, the zinc will displace the silver in the solution containing silver and zinc ions because zinc is higher than silver in the reactivity series

The reduction potential Zn → Zn²⁺ + 2e⁻ = +0.76

The reduction potential for Ag⁺ + e⁻ → Ag = +0.8

Given that redox reactions are reversible, we get the following likely redux reaction:

Zn(s) + 2Ag⁺(aq) ⇄ 2Ag(s) + Zn²⁺(aq)

Zn²⁺(aq) + 2Ag(s) → Zn(s) + 2Ag⁺(aq) is the reaction most likely to occur.