# A student adds a piece of zinc to iron sulfate solution. No visible reaction occurs when zinc is added to silver nitrate solution. Explain what the student would observe when zinc is added to iron sulfate solution, and why no reaction occurs with silver nitrate solution.

> AQA GCSE Chemistry (8462) — 4.4.1 Reactivity of metals · Explain · 4 marks

> Zinc, iron, and silver can all be placed in the reactivity series. Zinc is more reactive than iron. Silver is more reactive than zinc.

## Mark scheme (4 marks)

1. Zinc displaces iron from iron sulfate solution because zinc is more reactive than iron
2. A grey/dark solid (iron) forms on the surface of the zinc / the solution loses colour / the zinc dissolves
3. No reaction occurs with silver nitrate because silver is more reactive than zinc
4. A more reactive element can only displace a less reactive element from its compound / zinc is less reactive than silver so cannot displace it

## Related

- [Revision notes for AQA GCSE Chemistry (8462)](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/learn)
- [How to answer "Explain" questions](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/tools/command-word-cheatsheet)
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