In the displacement reaction Ag+ + Cu → Cu2+ + Ag, which statement is correct?

• A. Silver is oxidized
• B. Copper is reduced
• C. Silver is reduced
• D. Copper is oxidized and is the reducing agent

Answer: (D)

In this displacement reaction, electrons move from copper metal to silver ions. Copper loses electrons and goes from Cu(0) to Cu2+, so it is oxidized. Silver ions gain those electrons to become metallic silver, so silver is reduced. The species that donates electrons is the reducing agent, which here is copper. That’s why the statement “Copper is oxidized and is the reducing agent” is the correct one.