# Silver nitrate solution reacts with copper metal. In this reaction, silver ions gain electrons to form silver atoms, and copper atoms lose electrons to form copper ions. Explain what has been oxidised and what has been reduced in this reaction, and describe what the terms oxidation and reduction mean in terms of electron transfer.

> Eduqas A-Level Chemistry — 1.8 Redox · Explain · 5 marks

> When a piece of copper metal is placed into silver nitrate solution, the solution gradually loses its colourless appearance and silver grey solid begins to coat the copper. The overall reaction can be represented as: Cu + 2Ag⁺ → Cu²⁺ + 2Ag

## Mark scheme (5 marks)

1. Copper (atoms / metal) has been oxidised
2. Oxidation is the loss of electrons
3. Silver (ions) have been reduced
4. Reduction is the gain of electrons
5. Both oxidation and reduction occur simultaneously / this reaction is a redox reaction

## Key terms

- [oxidation](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/oxidation)
- [reduction](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/reduction)
- [electron transfer](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/electron-transfer)

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Source: [GradeNine](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/q/silver-nitrate-solution-reacts-with-copper-9d887006) · Published by Druglandscape Ltd.