When a more reactive metal is placed in a salt solution containing a less reactive metal, it replaces the less reactive metal. This reaction is known as ______.

The correct answer is Displacement reaction.

Key Points

• A displacement reaction occurs when a more reactive metal displaces a less reactive metal from its compound.
• This type of reaction is typically observed in aqueous solutions where metals are involved.
• For example, when zinc is placed in a copper sulfate solution, zinc displaces copper, forming zinc sulfate and copper metal.
• Displacement reactions are a subset of redox reactions, where the more reactive metal is oxidized and the less reactive metal is reduced.
• These reactions are used in various industrial processes, including metal extraction and purification.

Additional Information

• Reactivity Series:
  • The reactivity series is a list of metals arranged in order of decreasing reactivity.
  • It helps predict the outcomes of displacement reactions.
  • Highly reactive metals like potassium and sodium are at the top, while less reactive metals like gold and platinum are at the bottom.
• Redox Reactions:
  • Redox reactions involve the transfer of electrons between two substances.
  • Oxidation refers to the loss of electrons, while reduction refers to the gain of electrons.
  • Displacement reactions are a specific type of redox reaction.
• Applications:
  • Displacement reactions are used in metallurgy for extracting metals from their ores.
  • They are also utilized in galvanic cells to generate electrical energy.
  • These reactions are fundamental in the manufacturing of various chemicals.
• Examples:
  • Iron displacing copper from copper sulfate solution: Fe + CuSO₄ → FeSO₄ + Cu
  • Magnesium displacing zinc from zinc sulfate solution: Mg + ZnSO₄ → MgSO₄ + Zn