What is the primary chemistry behind a displacement reaction?
One element displaces another from a compound
In a displacement (single displacement) reaction, a more reactive element pushes out a less reactive element from its compound and takes its place. For example, iron displaces copper: Fe + CuSO₄ → FeSO₄ + Cu.
The driving force is the reactivity series: only an element above another in reactivity can displace it, which is why the more active metal ends up in the compound.
"Two reactants combine to generate one product" describes a combination (synthesis) reaction, such as 2H₂ + O₂ → 2H₂O, not displacement.
"Compounds disintegrate into two or more components" describes a decomposition reaction, like 2H₂O → 2H₂ + O₂.
"Ion exchange occurs between two substances" describes a double displacement reaction, where two compounds swap ions, not a single element replacing another.
Hence, the chemistry behind a displacement reaction is that one element displaces another from a compound.
Similar Questions
If a piece of aluminium is added to iron(II) sulphate (FeSO4) solution, what will happen?
Balance the following reaction:
\(3\,\text{MnO}_2\,(s) + x\,\text{Al}\,(s) \rightarrow 3\,\text{Mn}\,(l) + y\,\text{Al}_2\text{O}_3\,(s) + \text{Heat}\)
What type of ions exchange between reactants in a double displacement reaction?
What is the primary purpose of anodising aluminium?
What is generally produced when a metal reacts with an acid?
Which of the following is a chemical change?
Important Questions from Chemical Reaction
- Which one of the following is not an example of a redox reaction?
- Which one of the following is not a pigment?
- Which one of the following reactions is an example of decomposition reaction?
Match List I with List II and select the correct answer using the code given below the Lists:
LIST I
(Chemical process)
LIST II
(Reaction)
A.
Electrolysis of water
1.
Double displacement
reactionB.
Burning of coal
2.
Combination reaction
C.
Iron nail immersed in copper sulphate solution
3.
Decomposition reaction
D.
Addition of barium chloride solution to aluminium sulphate solution
4.
Displacement reaction
Consider the following reaction:
Fe2O3(s) + 2Al(s) → 2Fe(s) + Al2O3(s)
Which of the following statements about the given reaction is NOT correct?
