Chemical ChangesExam Tips
Exam Tips for Displacement Reactions
Part of Displacement Reactions — GCSE Chemistry
This exam tips covers Exam Tips for Displacement Reactions within Displacement Reactions for GCSE Chemistry. Revise Displacement Reactions in Chemical Changes for GCSE Chemistry with 20 exam-style questions and 20 flashcards. This topic appears regularly enough that it should still be part of a steady revision cycle. It is section 11 of 12 in this topic. Treat this as a marking guide for what examiners are looking for, not just a fact list.
Topic position
Section 11 of 12
Practice
20 questions
Recall
20 flashcards
💡 Exam Tips for Displacement Reactions
🎯 Common Question Types:
- Predict whether a displacement reaction occurs and write an equation (2-3 marks)
- Describe observations from a displacement experiment (2 marks)
- Write ionic equations removing spectator ions (2 marks)
- Identify what is oxidised and what is reduced in a reaction (2 marks)
- Write half equations for oxidation and reduction (HT, 3 marks)
📝 Key Command Words:
- Predict: Compare reactivity series positions; state yes/no and give reason
- Describe observations: Say what you SEE — colour changes, solids forming, temperature change
- Write the ionic equation: Remove spectator ions from the full equation
- Identify: State which species is oxidised (loses electrons) and which is reduced
⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid:
- Forgetting to check reactivity series before predicting whether a reaction occurs
- Including spectator ions in the ionic equation
- Confusing which species is oxidised and which is reduced — use OIL RIG
- Describing only the colour change OR only the solid — full marks need both observations
- Saying a reaction occurs when the added metal is less reactive — no reaction happens