Displacement Reactions Summary

Definition of Displacement Reactions

  • A displacement reaction occurs where a more reactive element replaces a less reactive element from its compound.
  • Example reactivity order (from most reactive to least reactive): Zinc, Iron, Tin.

Observations

At the end of a displacement reaction, the following are observed:

  • A colour change in the solution
  • The formation of a solid metal

Reaction Examples

  • Lithium+tin nitrate→lithium nitrate+tin\text{Lithium} + \text{tin nitrate} \rightarrow \text{lithium nitrate} + \text{tin}
  • Lithium+iron sulfate→lithium sulfate+iron\text{Lithium} + \text{iron sulfate} \rightarrow \text{lithium sulfate} + \text{iron}
  • Zinc+lead nitrate→zinc nitrate+lead\text{Zinc} + \text{lead nitrate} \rightarrow \text{zinc nitrate} + \text{lead}
  • Calcium+sodium chloride→no reaction\text{Calcium} + \text{sodium chloride} \rightarrow \text{no reaction}