Chemical ChangesKey Facts

Key Facts to Memorise

Part of Displacement Reactions · GCSE GCSE Chemistry revision

This key facts covers Key Facts to Memorise 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 5 of 13 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 13

Practice

22 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)

22 questions on Displacement Reactions — practise free

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