Write word equations for the reactions of magnesium with silver nitrate, and potassium with zinc nitrate.

What you are being asked to write

A word equation names the reactants on the left and the products on the right, separated by an arrow (→). For these pairs, you are dealing with single-displacement reactions where a more reactive metal replaces a less reactive metal in its nitrate.

Reaction 1: Magnesium with silver nitrate

Magnesium is more reactive than silver, so it displaces silver from silver nitrate.

Word equation: Magnesium + silver nitrate → magnesium nitrate + silver

(Formula check, optional: $Mg + 2AgNO_3 \rightarrow Mg(NO_3)_2 + 2Ag$.)

Reaction 2: Potassium with zinc nitrate

Potassium is more reactive than zinc, so it displaces zinc from zinc nitrate.

Word equation: Potassium + zinc nitrate → potassium nitrate + zinc

(Formula check, optional: $2K + Zn(NO_3)_2 \rightarrow 2KNO_3 + Zn$.)

Quick self-check

• The nitrate part ($NO_3^-$) stays with the new metal.
• The metal that gets pushed out becomes the free element (silver or zinc).