Metal ‘X’ displaces metal ‘Y’ from its salt solution but is not able to…
2021
Metal ‘X’ displaces metal ‘Y’ from its salt solution but is not able to displace metal ‘Z’ from its salt solution. Identify the most reactive metal.
- A.
X
- B.
Y
- C.
Z
- D.
Cannot be determined.
Show answer & explanation
Correct answer: C
Concept: In a single displacement reaction, a more reactive metal can displace a less reactive metal from its salt solution, but it cannot displace a metal that is more reactive than itself.
Metal X displaces metal Y from its salt solution, so X is more reactive than Y (X > Y).
Metal X is unable to displace metal Z from its salt solution, so Z is more reactive than X (Z > X).
Combining both relations gives the reactivity order Z > X > Y.
Cross-check: With this order, Z stands above X, so X can never displace Z, matching the given information; and X stands above Y, so X can displace Y, which also matches. Hence Z is the most reactive metal.