Chemical ChangesKey Facts

Key Facts to Memorise

Part of Displacement ReactionsGCSE Chemistry

This key facts covers Key Facts to Memorise 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 5 of 12 in this topic. Use this key facts to connect the idea to the wider topic before moving on to questions and flashcards.

Topic position

Section 5 of 12

Practice

20 questions

Recall

20 flashcards

📌 Key Facts to Memorise

  • THE RULE: A more reactive metal ALWAYS displaces a less reactive metal from its compound
  • If the added metal is LESS reactive than the metal in the compound → NO REACTION
  • The metal doing the displacing is OXIDISED (loses electrons, forms positive ions)
  • The metal ion being displaced is REDUCED (gains electrons, forms metal atoms)
  • OIL RIG: Oxidation Is Loss, Reduction Is Gain (of electrons)
  • Spectator ions don't change during the reaction — they're the same on both sides
  • Displacement reactions are EXOTHERMIC (release heat energy)

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.

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 colour is bromine?
Orange/brown
What does OIL RIG stand for?
Oxidation Is Loss (of electrons), Reduction Is Gain (of electrons)

Want to test your knowledge?

PrepWise has 20 exam-style questions and 20 flashcards for Displacement Reactions — with adaptive difficulty and instant feedback.

Join Alpha