Copper is displaced from the solution of its salts by most metals because it

Analysis

The question asks why copper is easily displaced from its salt solutions by other metals. To answer this, we must look at the Electrochemical Series (also known as the Activity Series of metals).

Concept Explanation

The activity series is a list of metals arranged in order of their decreasing reactivity. A metal higher up in the series is more electropositive (more reactive) and has a greater tendency to lose electrons (oxidize) than a metal lower down in the series.

• Displacement Reaction: When a more reactive metal is placed in a solution containing the ions of a less reactive metal, the more reactive metal will displace the less reactive metal from the solution.
• Copper's Position: In the electrochemical series, copper is positioned very low, below hydrogen and most common metals like Zinc, Iron, and Magnesium. Because it is low in the series, it is considered a "noble" or less reactive metal.

Step-by-Step Solution

1. Evaluate the options: • A (Transition element): While copper is a transition element, this property relates to its variable oxidation states and colored ions, not its ability to be displaced. • B (Bottom of the activity series): Because copper is low in the activity series, it has a low tendency to remain in ionic form when a more reactive metal is present. The more reactive metal will "steal" the anions, forcing the copper ions to gain electrons and deposit as solid copper metal. • C (Very reactive): This is incorrect. Copper is actually quite unreactive compared to metals like sodium or zinc. • D (Filled 3d-orbitals): Copper has a $3d^{10} 4s^1$ configuration. While this is a stable configuration, it is not the primary reason for its displacement behavior in chemical reactions.

2. Conclusion: The displacement of copper occurs specifically because it is less reactive than the metals displacing it, placing it at the bottom of the activity series.

Exam Tip

Remember the mnemonic for the activity series: "Please Stop Calling Me A Careless Zebra Instead Try Learning How Copper Saves Gold." (Potassium, Sodium, Calcium, Magnesium, Aluminium, Carbon, Zinc, Iron, Tin, Lead, Hydrogen, Copper, Silver, Gold). Anything to the left of Copper can displace it from its salt solution!