I'm doing a chem lab and I have to state which is more reactive. We put a piece of copper wire into a beaker full of silver nitrate.So which is more reactive?Copper (Cu) and silver (Ag) are both transition metals and nitrogen (N) is a halogen. Would being a halogen make nitrogen more reactive?AHH! Please help! I'll choose a best answer! :)Thanks in advance.
Nitrogen (NOT a halogen --- Cl2 perhaps) is not very reactive at all. Cu is more active than Ag (see an activity series), and will replace it in a compound. Cu(s) + 2AgNO3(aq) ==> 2Ag(s) + Cu(NO3)2(aq)
Nitrogen as a Halogen would make it more Reactive. You are correct. Cu and Ag would not be as reactive because they are transitional.
Copper Cu + 2AgNO3 ---> Cu(NO3)2 + 2Ag The copper reacts with the nitrate polyatomic ion to create a solid. And, nitrogen is not a halogen. It is is group 5A, while halogens are group 7A. Your idea that halogens are much more reactive is correct, but nitrogen is not among that category. Does that help you understand why? If not, ask some more.
