Silver Crystals

Add to list Go to activity
Activity link broken? See if it's at the internet archive
This is written as a static display, but can easily become a hands-on experiment for learners. One stoppered flask contains a piece of metal copper, the other contains a blue solution and a piece of copper covered with silver crystals. The crystals form when copper metal (Cu) is added to a solution of silver nitrate (AgNO3). The copper replaces the silver in the solution forming blue copper nitrate (CuNO3), and solid silver crystals (Ag) form on the surface of the copper. The exchange reaction is quick, learners can actually see the crystals grow. For safety reasons, this activity should be conducted as a demonstration for younger audiences.

Quick Guide

Preparation Time:
5 to 10 minutes
Learning Time:
30 to 45 minutes
Estimated Materials Cost:
$5 - $10 per group of students
Age Range:
Ages 14 - adult
Resource Types:
Activity, Demonstration, Exhibit
Language:
English

Materials List (per group of students)

  • Two 250-ml flasks
  • Two rubber stoppers for flasks
  • 3.4 g AgNO3 (silver nitrate) (keep 100 g on hand)
  • dH2O (deionized water)
  • Two pieces of clean copper strips, each about 6 in. long by ¼ in. wide

Keywords

Subjects

  • Physical Sciences
    • Chemistry
      • Chemical Reactions
      • Oxidation-Reduction Reactions

Audience

To use this activity, learners need to:

  • see
  • see color
  • read

Learning styles supported:

  • Involves hands-on or lab activities

Other

This resource is part of:

Access Rights:

  • Free access

By:

Rights:

Funding Source:

  • National Science Foundation