Question

State whether or not a reaction occurs. If a reaction occurs, please give the identity of the oxidizing agent and the identity of the reducing agent:

a. Silver (Ag) metal is dropped into an aqueous solution of gold(III)chloride, AuCl3(aq)

b. Nickel (Ni) metal is dropped into an aqueous solution of potassium chloride, KCl(aq)

Answer 1

Answer: (a) When silver metal is dropped in aqueous solution of AuCl3(aq), no reaction will occur because standard reduction potential of AU3+ is 1.50V which is higher as compared to reduction potential of Ag+ (.80V). Therefore AuCl3 will act as strong oxidizing agent as compared to Ag+. Thus no reaction.

(b) Nickel (Ni) metal is dropped into an aqueous solution of potassium chloride, KCl(aq) reaction will occur as the reduction potential of Ni2+ is ( -0. 26V) is higher than reduction potential of K+ ( -2. 93V).Therefore Ni2+ will act as strong oxidizing agent and easily accept electron from chlorine to form Nickle chloride salt.