10 Examples of Single Displacement Reactions

Single displacement reactions, also known as single replacement reactions, are chemical reactions where one element replaces another element in a compound. These reactions are characterized by the transfer of electrons and the formation of a new compound. In this article, we’ll explore 10 different examples of single displacement reactions.

Examples of Single Displacement Reactions

Here are 10 Examples of Single Displacement Reactions:

1. Zinc with Hydrochloric Acid (HCl)

When zinc (Zn) reacts with hydrochloric acid (HCl), a single displacement reaction occurs. Zinc replaces hydrogen in the acid, forming zinc chloride (ZnCl₂) and releasing hydrogen gas (H₂). The balanced chemical equation for this reaction is:

2Zn + 2HCl → ZnCl₂ ​+ H₂​

2. Copper with Silver Nitrate (AgNO₃)

In the reaction between copper (Cu) and silver nitrate (AgNO₃), copper replaces silver to form copper nitrate (Cu(NO₃)₂) and silver. The balanced equation is:

2AgNO₃ ​+ Cu → Cu(NO₃​)₂ ​+ 2Ag

3. Aluminum with Iron(III) Oxide (Fe₂O₃)

When aluminum (Al) reacts with iron(III) oxide (Fe₂O₃), a single displacement reaction takes place. Aluminum displaces iron from the oxide, resulting in the formation of aluminum oxide (Al₂O₃) and iron. The balanced equation is:

2Al + Fe_2​O₃ ​→ Al_2​O_3​ + 2Fe

4. Magnesium with Hydrochloric Acid (HCl)

Magnesium (Mg) undergoes a single displacement reaction with hydrochloric acid (HCl). Magnesium chloride (MgCl₂) and hydrogen gas (H₂) are produced. The balanced equation is: 2Mg + 2HCl → MgCl₂ ​+ H_2​

5. Lead with Hydrochloric Acid (HCl)

When lead (Pb) reacts with hydrochloric acid (HCl), lead chloride (PbCl₂) is formed along with the release of hydrogen gas (H₂). The balanced chemical equation is:

2Pb + 2HCl → PbCl₂​ + H_2​

6. Silver with Hydrogen Sulfide (H₂S)

In the reaction between silver (Ag) and hydrogen sulfide (H₂S), silver sulfide (Ag₂S) is formed, and hydrogen gas (H₂) is released. The balanced equation is:

2Ag + H₂​S → Ag₂​S + H_2​

7. Nickel with Hydrochloric Acid (HCl)

Nickel (Ni) reacts with hydrochloric acid (HCl) in a single displacement reaction, producing nickel chloride (NiCl₂) and hydrogen gas (H₂). The balanced equation is:

2Ni + 2HCl → NiCl₂​ + H₂​

8. Potassium with Water (H₂O)

When potassium (K) reacts with water (H₂O), a single displacement reaction occurs. Potassium hydroxide (KOH) and hydrogen gas (H₂) are produced. The balanced equation is:

2K + 2H₂​O → 2KOH + H_2​

9. Sodium with Chlorine Gas (Cl₂)

The reaction between sodium (Na) and chlorine gas (Cl₂) results in the formation of sodium chloride (NaCl). This single displacement reaction is represented by the balanced equation:

2Na + Cl_2​ → 2NaCl

10. Zinc with Copper(II) Sulfate (CuSO₄)

When zinc (Zn) reacts with copper(II) sulfate (CuSO₄), zinc sulfate (ZnSO₄) is formed, and copper is displaced. The balanced equation is:

Zn + CuSO₄ ​→ ZnSO₄ ​+ Cu