[Mikez]

Copper and Silver nitrate is mixed together and a precipitate forms.

(textbook answer) Cu(s) + 2AgNO3(aq) ? Cu(NO3)2(aq)  + 2Ag(s) 

I don't understand why copper has a valance of two in this equation? Couldn't copper have a valance one therefore the equation would have been:

(my answer) Cu(s) + AgNO3(aq) ? CuNO3(aq)  + Ag(s) 

Does this have something to do with the fact that silver nitrate was an ionic bond?

Could someone help me out?

thanks

[Borek]

Cu⁺ is unstable in water solution, thus copper is usually oxidized to Cu²⁺.

[Mikez]

thanks

also, when silver is replaced by copper, why does the silver stick around the copper wire. Shouldn't silver move as far away from it as possible since both of them is positive?

thanks again

[Borek]

Silver is already reduced, not charged and solid, it is Cu²⁺ that goes into solution.