Question

How can you prove experimentally that silver is less reactive than copper?

Answer 1

The reactivity series is a comparative study of metals and their reactions. The reactivity series helps us to predict how metals react.

A more reactive metal displaces a less reactive metal from a compound.

Having this in mind, then since copper is more reactive than silver it should be able to displace silver from a silver compound:

 Using silver nitrate and a copper rod, you can prove this. The reaction will be as follows:

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

The more reactive copper rod dissolves in the silver nitrate solution, replacing the silver and forming a blue solution of Cu(II)nitrate. In turn the less reactive silver is replaced and is precipitated as silver metal in the solution.