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.
📌 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)
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]
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)