Question

What is the product when silver nitrate and zinc undergo a single replacement reaction?

Answer 1

Some chemical reactions involve replacements. The elements which are more reactive replace lesser reactive elements in a compound. This reaction occurs when elements exchange their position in compounds.

Complete answer: This type of reaction involves ions which are electrically charged versions of atoms and ionic compounds. In these, the positive ions of metal and negative ions of a non-metal are held together by ionic bonds. Generally, a more reactive element replaces the element that is less reactive, and this less reactive element is set free.
There are two types of replacement reactions which are single and double respectively. Single replacement reaction differs from double replacement reaction by involving a single chemical compound, Whereas in doubt replacement reaction two compounds are involved.
A single replacement reaction occurs when one element replaces another in a single compound. The general equation:
$A+BC \rightarrow AB+C$
In the above equation, A represents a more reactive element and BC is compound. As reaction proceeds, A replaces B, and forms compound AB. Here C is a less reactive compound.
For the given question the reaction is-
${\text{Zn + AgN}}{{\text{O}}_3} \to {\text{ Zn(N}}{{\text{O}}_3}{)_2}{\text{ + A}}{{\text{g}}^{ + 2}}$.
In silver nitrate, silver has one valence electron which is shared with nitrate ions. However zinc has two valence electrons hence in product the nitrate ion has two electrons surrounded.

Note:
Zinc nitrate is a white colourless, odourless, crystalline solid. Its contact can irritate and burn skin and eyes. Inhaling can irritate the nose and throat causing coughing and sneezing.it can also cause headache, dizziness, nausea and vomiting.