2.6.9

Displacement Reactions

Test yourself

Displacement Reactions

A more reactive metal (one that forms positive ions more easily) can remove a less reactive metal from a compound. This is called a displacement reaction.

Illustrative background for Displacement orderIllustrative background for Displacement order ?? "content

Displacement order

  • A metal can only displace another metal from a compound if it is located above it in the reactivity series.
Illustrative background for Example of a displacement reactionIllustrative background for Example of a displacement reaction ?? "content

Example of a displacement reaction

  • Calcium is higher in the reactivity series than copper. This means that calcium is able to displace copper from a copper sulfate solution to create calcium sulfate.
    • Calcium + copper sulfate → calcium sulfate + copper
    • Ca(s) + CuSO4(aq) → CaSO4(aq) + Cu(s)
  • Platinum, on the other hand, is less reactive than copper and so would not be able to displace copper from a copper sulfate solution.

Jump to other topics

1Biology

1.1Cells, Tissues & Organs

1.2Reproduction & Variation

1.3Ecological Relationships & Classification

1.4Digestion & Nutrition

1.5Plants & Photosynthesis

1.6Biological Systems & Processes

2Chemistry

2.1Particles

2.2Chemical Reactions

2.3Atoms, Elements, Compounds

2.4The Periodic Table

2.5Materials & the Earth

2.6Reactivity

2.7Energetics

2.8Properties of Materials

3Physics

3.1Energy

3.2Forces & Motion

3.3Waves

3.4Electricity & Magnetism

3.5Matter

3.6Space Physics

4Thinking Scientifically

Go student ad image

Unlock your full potential with GoStudent tutoring

  • Affordable 1:1 tutoring from the comfort of your home

  • Tutors are matched to your specific learning needs

  • 30+ school subjects covered

Book a free trial lesson