In the extraction of Silver via the Cyanide process, Zinc dust acts as the reducing agent to precipi — Metallurgy and Isolation of Elements Chemistry Question
Question
In the extraction of Silver via the Cyanide process, Zinc dust acts as the reducing agent to precipitate the Silver. What is the fundamental electrochemical reason why Zinc is utilized instead of Copper, even though Copper is also capable of displacing Silver from aqueous solutions?
Answer: B
💡 Solution & Explanation
The displacement reaction relies on differences in reactivity (electropositivity). Zinc is much higher in the electrochemical series (more electropositive, highly negative SRP) compared to Copper. Thus, Zinc is a much stronger and faster reducing agent, ensuring the complete and rapid precipitation of Silver from the highly stable dicyanoargentate complex.
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