Assertion(A): Zinc displaces copper and silver from solutions of their salts. Reason (R): Zinc has a lower oxidation potential than copper and silver.

Assertion (A) is true because zinc is more reactive than copper and silver, allowing it to displace them from their salt solutions [t1, t5]. In the activity series, zinc is positioned above copper and silver, meaning it has a greater tendency to lose electrons and undergo oxidation [t7, t9]. However, Reason (R) is false because zinc actually has a higher oxidation potential than copper and silver. In electrochemistry, a higher oxidation potential (or a more negative standard reduction potential) indicates a stronger reducing agent [t10]. Zinc's standard reduction potential is approximately -0.76V, while copper is +0.34V and silver is +0.80V [t3]. Since zinc is more easily oxidized, it possesses a higher oxidation potential, contradicting the claim in the reason that its potential is lower [t7, t10].