Copper does not replace hydrogen from acids because it is less reactive than hydrogen. The reactivity series, also known as the activity series, of metals is a list that describes the reactivity of metals from highest to lowest. In this series, hydrogen is placed above copper. This means that hydrogen is more reactive than copper.

In a displacement reaction, a more reactive metal can displace a less reactive metal from its compound. Since copper is less reactive than hydrogen, it cannot displace hydrogen from its compounds, such as acids. Therefore, copper does not react with non-oxidising acids like hydrochloric acid (HCl) or sulfuric acid (H2SO4) to displace hydrogen.

However, copper can react with oxidising acids like nitric acid (HNO3) because in this case, the acid not only provides a source of hydrogen ions (H+) but also acts as an oxidising agent.

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Copper does not replace hydrogen from acids because it is less reactive than hydrogen. The reactivity series, also known as the activity series, of metals is a list that describes the reactivity of metals from highest to lowest. In this series, hydrogen is placed above copper. This means that hydrogen is more reactive than copper.

In a displacement reaction, a more reactive metal can displace a less reactive metal from its compound. Since copper is less reactive than hydrogen, it cannot displace hydrogen from its compounds, such as acids. Therefore, copper does not react with non-oxidising acids like hydrochloric acid (HCl) or sulfuric acid (H2SO4) to displace hydrogen.

However, copper can react with oxidising acids like nitric acid (HNO3) because in this case, the acid not only provides a source of hydrogen ions (H+) but also acts as an oxidising agent.

Knowee AI · Accepted Answer

Copper does not replace hydrogen from acids because it is less reactive than hydrogen. The reactivity series, also known as the activity series, of metals is a list that describes the reactivity of metals from highest to lowest. In this series, hydrogen is placed above copper. This means that hydrogen is more reactive than copper.

In a displacement reaction, a more reactive metal can displace a less reactive metal from its compound. Since copper is less reactive than hydrogen, it cannot displace hydrogen from its compounds, such as acids. Therefore, copper does not react with non-oxidising acids like hydrochloric acid (HCl) or sulfuric acid (H2SO4) to displace hydrogen.

However, copper can react with oxidising acids like nitric acid (HNO3) because in this case, the acid not only provides a source of hydrogen ions (H+) but also acts as an oxidising agent.

Why does copper not replace hydrogen from acids?

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