Silver Tree

We demonstrate a displacement reaction using silver nitrate and copper. A tree-shaped piece of copper is submerged in silver nitrate solution. The silver ions displace the copper and the tree slowly becomes coated with silver metal. At the same time the solution turns blue as the amount of copper ions increases. Chemistry - Periodic Table - Learning Points. Some metals are more reactive than others. Copper (Cu) is more reactive than silver (Ag). A more reactive metal ion will dissolve (be oxidised) and displace a less reactive metal ion (which will be reduced) from solution in a displacement reaction. Cu₂⁺ ions turn a colourless solution blue. A Twig Experiment Film. Let students experience real experiments in lab conditions anywhere, from setup, method all the way through to analysis and real-world application.