What Is Displacement In Chemistry?

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A displacement reaction is a reaction where a part of the reactant replaces another reactant. It is also known as the metathesis or replacement reaction.

The displacement reactions involve metal and a compound of a different metal. Talking about it, in a displacement reaction, “A more reactive metal will displace a less reactive metal from its compounds.”

A displacement reaction is easily seen when the salt of less reactive metal is in the solution. During the reaction, the more reactive metal gradually disappears as it forms a solution, whereas the less reactive metal coats the surface of the more reactive metal.

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There are two types of displacement reactions.

1. Single Displacement Reaction

A single displacement reaction is one where one reactant replaces the part of another reactant. In short, it follows the below-mentioned mechanism:

AB + C AC + B

Example:

Fe + CuSO4 FeSO4 + Cu

2. Double Displacement Reaction

Double Displacement reactions are the ones where the anions and cations in the reactants switch their partners to produce the products. It follows the below-mentioned mechanism:

AB + CD AD + CB

Example:

AgNO3 + NaCl AgCl + NaNO3

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For instance, let us consider the two metals, magnesium and copper, as we know that magnesium is more reactive than copper.

When a piece of magnesium is dipped into a copper sulfate solution, the blue colour lightens due to the formation of colorless magnesium sulfate solution, and the brown copper coats the magnesium surface.