A solution containing the ions Mg2+ Ni2+ and Ag+ is put in a tin can. What will happen?

When a solution containing Mg2+, Ni2+, and Ag+ ions is placed in a tin can, a redox reaction may occur. This is due to the different standard reduction potentials of the metals involved.

1. Identify the standard reduction potentials: The standard reduction potentials of Mg2+, Ni2+, Ag+, and Sn2+ (tin) are -2.37V, -0.25V, 0.80V, and -0.14V respectively.

2. Determine the possible reactions: The metal with the highest standard reduction potential will be reduced, while the metal with the lowest standard reduction potential will be oxidized. In this case, Ag+ has the highest standard reduction potential, so it will be reduced. Mg2+ has the lowest standard reduction potential, so it will be oxidized.

3. Write the half-reactions: The reduction half-reaction is Ag+ + e- -> Ag, and the oxidation half-reaction is Mg -> Mg2+ + 2e-.

4. Combine the half-reactions: The overall reaction is 2Ag+ + Mg -> 2Ag + Mg2+.

So, silver will be deposited on the tin can, and magnesium will dissolve into the solution. The Ni2+ ions will not react because their standard reduction potential is higher than that of magnesium but lower than that of silver.