Displacement reaction
A reaction in which a more reactive element pushes a less reactive element out of its compound.
Last updated
Analogy
Like a bigger kid taking a smaller kid's seat on the bus.
Example
iron + copper sulfate-> iron sulfate + copperFe + CuSO4 -> FeSO4 + Cu
In practice
An iron nail in blue copper sulfate solution becomes coated with brown copper.
Practice
Flashcards
- What happens in a displacement reaction?A more reactive element takes the place of a less reactive one in a compound.
Questions people ask
How can you tell a displacement reaction has happened?
Look for a colour change in the solution and a new coating on the metal. When iron is placed in blue copper sulfate, the solution fades towards pale green and the nail gets a pink-brown layer of copper. The temperature may also rise a little.
What is the thermite reaction?
Aluminium powder is mixed with iron oxide and ignited. Aluminium is more reactive and takes the oxygen, leaving molten iron and a lot of heat. The reaction is used to weld railway tracks together. It is a dramatic example of a displacement reaction.