# Zinc powder is added to silver nitrate solution. The zinc displaces silver from the solution. In this reaction, zinc atoms lose electrons and silver ions gain electrons. Explain why this reaction is described as a redox reaction, and identify which substance is oxidised and which is reduced.

> WJEC A-Level Chemistry (Wales) — 1.8 Redox · Explain · 5 marks

> When zinc powder is added to silver nitrate solution, a grey coating of silver metal forms on the zinc and the solution becomes colourless. The overall reaction can be represented as: Zn + 2AgNO₃ → Zn(NO₃)₂ + 2Ag

## Mark scheme (5 marks)

1. Oxidation and reduction occur simultaneously (in the same reaction)
2. Zinc is oxidised because it loses electrons
3. Silver ions are reduced because they gain electrons
4. Zinc is the reducing agent because it causes the reduction of silver ions (by donating electrons to them)
5. Silver nitrate / silver ions act as the oxidising agent because they cause the oxidation of zinc (by accepting electrons from zinc)

## Key terms

- [redox](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/redox)

## Related

- [Revision notes for WJEC A-Level Chemistry (Wales)](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/learn)
- [How to answer "Explain" questions](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/tools/command-word-cheatsheet)
- [Practice this with AI marking (free)](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/start)

---
Source: [GradeNine](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/q/zinc-powder-is-added-to-silver-4ab6e703) · Published by Druglandscape Ltd.