Question

The following reaction does not proceed to a product: H2O + Ag --> no reaction. Why is that?

Answer 1

Answer:

D - Silver has lower reactivity than hydrogen and cannot replace it

Explanation:

If we assume , Ag also reacts just like other metals as

                   Metal + H₂O ---> Metal Hydroxide + H₂

         then Ag forms as

                     Ag + H2O ----->AgOH + $\frac{1}{2}$H2

           here Ag is converting into Ag⁺ and 2H⁺ are converting into H₂  

             for reaction Ag --->Ag⁺ + e⁻      E° = -0.799 V

             for reaction H⁺ + e⁻ ---->$\frac{1}{2}$H₂   E° = 0 V

     by Adding those 2 above equations net E° will be -0.799 which is negative.As per Faradays Law

                                   ΔG° = -nFE°

     here we got E° as negative then ΔG° will be positive

As per thermodynamics if ΔG° is +ve then reaction is not feasible

so, then given reaction does not occur.....