MCAT General Chemistry Question 54: Answer and Explanation

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Question: 54

9. Aluminum metal can be used to remove tarnish from silver when the two solid metals are placed in water, according to the following reaction:

3 AgO + 2 Al → 3 Ag + Al2O3

This reaction is a:

I. double-displacement reaction.

II. single-displacement reaction.

III. oxidation–reduction reaction.

IV. combination reaction.

  • A. II only
  • B. IV only
  • C. I and III only
  • D. II and III only

Correct Answer: D

Explanation:

In the reaction, there is a single displacement, with the silver in silver oxide being replaced by the aluminum to form aluminum oxide. This single-displacement reaction also necessitates a transfer of electrons in an oxidation-reduction reaction; silver, for example, changes from the +2 oxidation state to neutral. Aluminum changes from neutral to the +3 oxidation state.

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