This diagram covers Electron Transfer — What's Really Happening within Displacement Reactions for GCSE Chemistry. Revise Displacement Reactions in Chemical Changes for GCSE Chemistry with 22 exam-style questions and 20 flashcards. Use this page as part of a wider topic revision path rather than treating it as an isolated fact. It is section 2 of 13 in this topic. Focus on the labels, the relationships between parts, and the explanation that turns the diagram into an exam-ready answer.
🔬 Electron Transfer — What's Really Happening
Magnesium + Copper Sulfate → Magnesium Sulfate + Copper
OXIDATION (Loss of e⁻)
Mg → Mg²⁺ + 2e⁻
Magnesium LOSES 2 electrons
REDUCTION (Gain of e⁻)
Cu²⁺ + 2e⁻ → Cu
Copper ion GAINS 2 electrons
Ionic equation: Mg + Cu²⁺ → Mg²⁺ + Cu
(SO₄²⁻ is a spectator ion — it doesn't change!)
Figure 1: Electron transfer in a displacement reaction
Practice questions for Displacement Reactions
Which statement correctly describes a displacement reaction?
In the reaction between zinc and copper sulfate solution, explain which species is oxidised and which is reduced. Include half equations in your answer. [3 marks]