5.2 Displacement reactions

Question 1

Whats a displacement reaction

Answer 1

When a more reactive metal displaces a less reactive metal

Question 2

What is oxidation

Answer 2

loss of electrons, reacted with oxygen

Question 3

What is reduction

Answer 3

Gain of electrons, oxygen removed

Question 4

Silver is less reactive than copper. Predict what you would observe when a sample of copper metal is added to the silver nitrate solution

Answer 4

Copper will displace silver from a solution of silver ions because it is more reactive

Question 5

When a sample of aluminium reacts with a solution of copper sulfate the blue solution gradually turns colourless and a brown solid appears. Explain these observations in terms of the reactivity series

Answer 5

• Copper aluminium sulfate is formed which is colourless
• aluminium displaces copper as it is higher in the reactivity series.
• Cu2+ ions displaced from solution (blue will disappear)
• Cu metal is formed to a brown solid