When a less reactive metal is added to a solution containing a salt of a more reactive metal, what is the expected outcome?

• A. No reaction will occur because the less reactive metal cannot displace the more reactive metal from its salt.
• B. The less reactive metal will displace the more reactive metal from its salt, forming a new metal and salt.
• C. A precipitate of the less reactive metal will form in the solution.
• D. The solution will change color due to the formation of a complex ion between the metals.

Answer: (A)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the concept of the reactivity series of metals, which ranks metals based on their ability to lose electrons and form positive ions (cations). More reactive metals tend to lose electrons more easily than less reactive metals.
2. Recall that a displacement reaction occurs when a more reactive metal displaces a less reactive metal from its compound in solution. This is because the more reactive metal can donate electrons to the ions of the less reactive metal, reducing them to the elemental form.
3. Analyze the scenario: a less reactive metal is added to a solution containing a salt of a more reactive metal. Since the metal in solution is more reactive, it is less likely to be displaced by the less reactive metal.
4. Conclude that no reaction will occur because the less reactive metal cannot displace the more reactive metal from its salt. The ions of the more reactive metal remain in solution, and the less reactive metal stays unreacted.
5. Recognize that other options such as formation of a precipitate or color change due to complex ion formation are not typical outcomes in this context without additional specific conditions.