Paper 1 - Metal Displacement Reactions

Question 1

Observations for a displacement reaction (copper sulfate displayed by magnesium)

Answer 1

• colour of solution e.g. fading as blue copper sulfate is replaced by colourless magnesium sulfate.
• precipitate e.g. orange-brown coating of copper forming on the surface of the magnesium
• increase in temp because reaction is exothermic

Question 2

What happens in metal displacement reactions ?

Answer 2

More reactive metal displace a less reactive metal

Question 3

[PRACTICAL SKILLS] Method for deducing a reactivity series.

Answer 3

You can work out a reactivity series for metals by observing what happens when you mix different combinations of metals
and their salt solutions. To do this:

add a powdered metal to a test tube
or beaker of a metal salt solution

OR

dip a small piece of metal into a metal salt solution on a spotting tile. Then look for evidence of a reaction, such as a change in colour or temperature.