A student places a piece of iron into silver nitrate solution and observes that silver metal forms on the surface of the iron. State and explain these observations in terms of the reactivity series.
Written & reviewed by James Millett — Biology (Imperial College London), PGCE Science (University of Cambridge).
Model answer (4 marks)
Iron is more reactive than silver.
Iron displaces silver from silver nitrate solution.
Iron loses electrons (is oxidised) and goes into solution as Fe²⁺ ions.
Silver ions gain electrons (are reduced) and form silver metal on the iron surface.
Iron displaces silver from silver nitrate solution.
Iron loses electrons (is oxidised) and goes into solution as Fe²⁺ ions.
Silver ions gain electrons (are reduced) and form silver metal on the iron surface.
Examiner tips
- Use the exact terms ‘more reactive’, ‘displaces’, ‘oxidised’, ‘reduced’. Show the sequence of events: iron → Fe²⁺ + 2e⁻, Ag⁺ + e⁻ → Ag. Keep the answer concise – one sentence per point.
- common_mistakes
- :
- Confusing ‘reduced’ with ‘oxidised’. Using vague wording like ‘iron reacts’ instead of ‘iron is oxidised’.
Mark scheme (4 marks)
- Iron is more reactive than silver
- Iron displaces silver from silver nitrate solution
- Iron loses electrons / is oxidised and goes into solution as iron ions
- Silver ions gain electrons / are reduced and form silver metal
Key terms in this question
Related
- All Cambridge International IGCSE Chemistry (0620) revision notes →
- How to answer a "Explain" question →
- Decode the mark scheme abbreviations →
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