What term describes a chemical reaction in which a more reactive element takes the place of a less reactive element within a compound?

Explanation

A displacement reaction occurs when a more chemically reactive element takes the place of a less reactive element within a compound, effectively displacing it from that compound. A classic example involves placing a piece of iron into a solution of copper sulfate, where the more reactive iron displaces the less reactive copper, forming iron sulfate in solution while the displaced copper metal is deposited separately. This type of reaction is closely related to a metal’s position within the broader reactivity series, which ranks metals according to how readily they tend to react and displace one another. Explore more Everyday Science MCQs on mcqstutor to keep practicing.