Question

What is a displacement reaction? Which rule governs displacement of an element in a compound by another element? Explain with an example.

Answer 1

In a displacement reaction, one element replaces another element from a compound. Generally, a more reactive element replaces a less reactive element from its compound. For example, iron is more reactive element than copper. If a piece of iron is added to a solution of copper sulphate, iron sulphate is formed. Copper metal gets deposited on the iron piece.

CuSO₄ + Fe → FeSO₄ + Cu
Copper Iron Iron Copper
sulphate sulphate