What happens when a copper spoon is stired in a solution of silver nitrate?
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As silver nitrate is a salt and copper is more reactive than silver, a displacement reaction is bound to occur. The products formed will be copper nitrate and silver. A g N O 3 ( a q ) + C u ( s ) → C u ( N O 3 ) 2 ( a q ) + A g ( s ) Clearly, copper is being oxidised and silver nitrate is being reduced. So, the oxidation state of Cu will increase. The silver that is displaced will be deposited on the spoon.