Metal Displacement Reactions (VCE SSCE Chemistry): Flashcards

Redox reaction where one metal displaces another from ion solution

Ranked list of metals by reactivity/reducing agent ability

Gold (Au) at the top

Potassium (K) and lithium (Li) at the bottom

Metal must be below the metal ion in the reactivity series

Bottom right of series (most reactive metals)

Top left of series (metal cations)

Reducing agent (donates electrons, becomes oxidised)

Silver crystals deposit; solution turns blue ($\text{Cu}^{2+}$ ions)

Brown Cu deposit forms; blue solution becomes colourless