Answer :
The equation Cu + Fe+2 (NO3)2 → no reaction indicates that copper (Cu) is more reactive than iron (Fe) in the nitrate ion (NO3) environment.
Here's the reasoning:
The given equation shows a potential single replacement reaction, where copper (Cu) might replace iron (Fe) in the iron nitrate (Fe(NO3)2) compound.
Since there is "no reaction," it means copper is not reactive enough to displace iron from the nitrate ion.
In reactivity series of metals, a more reactive metal can displace a less reactive metal from a compound.
Therefore, the lack of reaction implies that copper (Cu) is less likely to take the place of iron (Fe), suggesting copper is less reactive than iron in this scenario. However, this is not the case.
In reality, copper is more reactive than iron. The "no reaction" outcome likely occurs because copper doesn't readily form a stable compound with the nitrate ion (NO3). It might prefer to stay as elemental copper (Cu) rather than react with the nitrate.
So, the equation is misleading in terms of general reactivity. Copper is generally more reactive than iron, but the specific reaction with nitrate doesn't proceed due to factors beyond simple metal reactivity.
