How Does the Electrochemical Series Determine Metal Use in Coinage?

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SUMMARY

The electrochemical series is essential for determining the suitability of metals for coinage based on their reactivity. Copper, silver, and gold are favored for coin production due to their lower reactivity compared to more reactive metals like magnesium, sodium, and calcium. The discussion emphasizes that the reactivity of a metal influences its corrosion resistance and longevity in circulation. An appropriate ionic equation illustrating the corrosion of a more reactive metal, such as magnesium, when reacting with water is crucial for understanding these concepts.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of the electrochemical series
  • Knowledge of metal reactivity and corrosion
  • Familiarity with ionic equations and chemical reactions
  • Basic principles of electrochemistry
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the electrochemical series and its implications for metal selection
  • Study the corrosion processes of reactive metals like magnesium and sodium
  • Learn how to write and balance ionic equations for metal-water reactions
  • Explore the historical context of coinage materials and their properties
USEFUL FOR

Chemistry students, materials scientists, coin designers, and anyone interested in the properties of metals and their applications in coinage.

lionely
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The electro chemical series in a convenient way for arranging metals. A metal's position in the electrochemical series can give info about its properties and uses.

Use the principles for placing metals in the electrochemical series to explain the following observations

1) copper, silver, and gold are used to make coins but magnesium sodium and calcium are not. Support your answer with a suitable ionic equation.


I know the first part it's obviously because the metals mentioned in the first part are less reactive than Mg,Na,Ca... but I don't get the ionic equation it wants... please guide me someone.
 
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Try to write equations of reaction with water, that would be coin corroding.
 

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