Chemical ChangesDefinitions

Key Definitions

Part of Displacement Reactions · GCSE GCSE Chemistry revision

This definitions covers Key Definitions 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 4 of 13 in this topic. Make sure you can use the exact wording confidently, because definition marks are often lost through vague language.

Topic position

Section 4 of 13

Practice

22 questions

Recall

20 flashcards

📖 Key Definitions

Displacement reaction: A reaction in which a more reactive element takes the place of a less reactive element in a compound. The more reactive element is oxidised; the less reactive element (or its ion) is reduced.

Spectator ion: An ion that is present in a reaction mixture but does not change during the reaction. It appears on both sides of the full ionic equation and is omitted from the ionic equation.

Oxidation: Loss of electrons (OIL — Oxidation Is Loss). The metal doing the displacing is always oxidised.

Reduction: Gain of electrons (RIG — Reduction Is Gain). The metal ion being displaced is always reduced.

Ionic equation: An equation that shows only the species that change during the reaction — spectator ions are removed. For displacement: Metal + Metal ion → Metal ion + Metal.

Keep building this topic

Read this section alongside the surrounding pages in Displacement Reactions. That gives you the full topic sequence instead of a single isolated revision point.

How It Works: Why More Reactive Metals Always Displace Less Reactive Ones Key Facts to Memorise The Chemistry of Bullying Electron Transfer — What's Really Happening

Practice Questions for Displacement Reactions

Which statement correctly describes a displacement reaction?

A. A less reactive metal replaces a more reactive metal from its salt solution
B. A more reactive metal replaces a less reactive metal from its salt solution
C. Two metals both dissolve when placed in the same acid
D. A metal oxide breaks down when heated strongly

1 markfoundation

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]

3 marksstandard

Quick Recall Flashcards

What does OIL RIG stand for?

Oxidation Is Loss (of electrons), Reduction Is Gain (of electrons)

What colour is bromine?

Orange/brown

22 questions on Displacement Reactions — practise free

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How It Works: Why More Reactive Metals Always Displace Less Reactive Ones

Key Facts to Memorise