Answer:
Mg
Explanation:
The standard reduction potentials are
E°/V
Au³⁺(aq ) + 3e⁻ ⟶ Au(s); 1.42
Hg²⁺(aq) + 2e⁻ ⟶ Hg(l); 0.85
Ag⁺(aq) + e⁻ ⟶ Ag(s); 0.80
Cu²⁺(aq) + 2e⁻ ⟶ Cu(s); 0.34
Mg2+(aq) + 2e- ⟶ Mg(s); -2.38
The more negative the standard reduction potential, the stronger the metal is as a reducing agent.
Mg is the only metal with a standard reduction potential lower than that of Cu, so
Only Mg will react spontaneously with Cu²⁺.
