An element takes the place of another element that is in a compound

Could be a metal replacing a metal or a non-metal replacing a non-metal

General formulas: A + BC AC + B (A and B are metals) A + BC BA + C (A and C are nonmetals) + +

Cu(s) + 2AgNO3(aq) Cu(NO3)2(aq) + Ag(s)

This reaction does not go in reverse! Why can’t Ag replace Cu? It is because of the reactivity of the metals.

The “Activity Series” is a list of elements that is organized according to their chemical reactivity.

LithiumPotassiumCalciumSodiumMagnesiumAluminiumZincChromiumIronNickelTinLeadHydrogenCopper MercurySilverPlatinumGold

Most reactive

Least reactive

Use the activity series to predict if the following single displacement reaction occurs

Al(s) + NiBr3(aq) __________

Write the balanced chemical equation

Notice that hydrogen is on the activity series and it is not a metal! Hydrogen may be displaced from most acids by all metals above itHydrogen may only be displaced from water (at room temp.) by those above magnesium

Use the activity series to predict if the following single displacement reaction occurs

Ag(s) + HBr(aq) __________

Write the balanced chemical equation, if reaction occurs

Use the activity series to predict if the following single displacement reaction occurs

K(s) + H2O(l) __________

Write the balanced chemical equation, if reaction occurs

Non-metals are negatively charged, so it can be replaced with only another non-metal.

F2(g) + 2NaI(s) I2 (s) + 2NaF (s)

There is a separate activity series for halogens

fluorinechlorinebromineiodine

Most reactive

Least reactive

Use the activity series to predict if the following single displacement reaction occurs

Br2(g) + NaCl(aq) __________

Write the balanced chemical equation, if it does occur