In a displacement reaction, what is the key factor that determines whether a more reactive metal will displace a less reactive metal from its compound?
- AOption (a)
Temperature of the reaction
- BOption (b)
Size of the metal atoms
- COption (c)
Position of the metals in the reactivity series
- DOption (d)
Concentration of the compound
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Correct answer
Position of the metals in the reactivity series
Why this answer is correct
The correct answer is Position of the metals in the reactivity series.
Key Points
- In a displacement reaction, the reactivity of the metals involved plays a crucial role.
- The reactivity series is an arrangement of metals in order of their reactivity, from most reactive to least reactive.
- A more reactive metal can displace a less reactive metal from its compound.
- This is because the more reactive metal has a greater tendency to lose electrons and form positive ions.
- For example, zinc can displace copper from copper sulfate solution because zinc is higher in the reactivity series than copper.
Additional Information
- Temperature of the reaction
- While temperature can affect the rate of reaction, it does not determine whether one metal will displace another.
- Displacement reactions are more influenced by the reactivity of the metals involved.
- Size of the metal atoms
- The size of metal atoms does not play a significant role in displacement reactions.
- It is the reactivity and ability to lose electrons that matter more in these reactions.
- Concentration of the compound
- While the concentration of the compound can affect the rate of a reaction, it does not determine the displacement of metals.
- The ability to displace another metal is primarily dependent on the relative reactivity of the metals.
