CHEM 6.6 Single and Double Displacement

Question 1

Single Displacement

Answer 1

-Involves one element replacing or displacing a second element in a compound

-A metal element will only displace a metal in a compound.
e.g. 2 Na + ZnCl2 → 2 NaCl + Zn

-A non-metal will only displace a non-metal in a compound.
e.g. 2 NaCl + F2 → 2 NaF + Cl2

-The general equation for a single displacement reaction is:
A + XY → AY + X (where A is a metal)
B + XY → XB + Y (where B is a non-metal)

Question 2

Double Displacement

Answer 2

-Involves both elements in different compounds displacing each other or exchanging places.

-The metals switch places or the non-metals switch places

ANALOGY - two couples dancing and they switch partners

-The general equation for a double displacement reaction is:

AB + XY → AY + XB
Compound + Compound Compound + Compound