Single Displacement Reaction
A reaction in which a more reactive element replaces a less reactive one from its compound.
Formula / equation
A + BC → AC + B
Unit
Dimensionless
In depth
Also called a substitution or replacement reaction, it is always a redox process: the displacing element is oxidised while the displaced ion is reduced. Whether it proceeds is predicted by the activity series for metals or by relative electrode potentials.
Examples in the real world
Zn + CuSO₄ → ZnSO₄ + Cu, with the blue solution fading as copper plates out on the zinc.