Lab: Single Replacement Reaction
Purpose: To be able to determine if a single replacement reaction will occur or not and write a balanced
equation.
Introduction:
1. Using the activity series see if the reaction will occur.
2. Write out a balanced equation for each reaction – using correct symbols and chemical formulas (all metal
cation charges are +2, except silver is +1). Check activity series to determine if the reaction will occur. If
no reaction occurs write “N.R.” as the product.
Procedure:
a. Get droppers for each reaction and a piece of saran wrap.
b. Observe starting materials.
c. Place 1-2 drops in the combinations listed below in the correct place.
d. Wait about 2-3 minutes, observe and record overall observations.
e. Carefully fold up saran wrap and throw away. Return droppers to center table.
Reactions:
1. zinc nitrate + lead 
Ions: Zn+2 NO3-1 Pb+2
Predicted Products: Pb(NO3)2 + Zn
Balanced Equation: Zn(NO3)2 + Pb  N.R.
Observations: No Change
2. zinc nitrate + tin 
Ions:
Predicted Products:
Balanced Equation:
Observations:
3. zinc nitrate + copper 
Ions:
Predicted Products:
Balanced Equation:
Observations:
4. silver nitrate + lead 
Ions:
Predicted Products:
Balanced Equation:
Observations:
5. silver nitrate + tin 
Ions:
Predicted Products:
Balanced Equation:
Observations:
6. silver nitrate + zinc 
Ions:
Predicted Products:
Balanced Equation:
Observations:
7. copper (II) nitrate + lead 
Ions:
Predicted Products:
Balanced Equation:
Observations:
8. copper (II) nitrate + zinc 
Ions:
Predicted Products:
Balanced Equation:
Observations:
9. lead (II) nitrate + copper 
Ions:
Predicted Products:
Balanced Equation:
Observations:
10. lead (II) nitrate + zinc 
Ions:
Predicted Products:
Balanced Equation:
Observations:
Solution
Metals
Zinc Nitrate
Lead (Pb)
Tin (Sn)
Copper (Cu)
X
Silver Nitrate
Lead (Pb)
Tin (Sn)
X
Zinc (Zn)
Copper (ll) Nitrate
Lead (Pb)
X
X
Zinc (Zn)
Lead (ll) Nitrate
X
X
Copper (Cu)
Zinc (Zn)
REACTION 1
REACTION 2
REACTION 3
REACTION 4
REACTION 5
REACTION 6
REACTION 7
REACTION 8
REACTION 9
REACTION 10