Year 9 - Science
Chemical reactions: displacement of metals
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This pupil-friendly study guide includes a unit summary, clear notes, common mistakes, and quick questions with answers.
Unit Summary
This unit examines the varying properties of elements, the reactivity series, and the role of carbon in metal extraction. It also explores catalysts and the properties of ceramics, polymers, and composites. Emphasis is placed on evaluating risks, using appropriate techniques, and interpreting data.
Lesson Summary
You will learn to explain what happens when one metal displaces another metal from a salt, in solution as well as how carbon can be used to extract metals from ores.
Key Notes
- A more reactive metal will displace another that is less reactive from its salt, in solution.
- In a displacement reaction magnesium displaces copper from copper sulfate(aq) to form magnesium sulfate (aq) and copper.
- Displacement reactions can be used to confirm the position of a metal in the reactivity series for metals.
- A metal ore is typically rock that contains a metal in a form that can be extracted.
- Carbon can be used to extract some metals from their ores when carbon is more reactive.
Vocabulary To Learn
- displacement reaction: A displacement reaction occurs when a more reactive element takes the place of a less reactive element in a compound.
- metal salt: A compound comprising of a metal and a non-metal.
- aqueous solution (aq): Formed when a substance is dissolved in water.
- reactivity series: Shows metals placed in order of reactivity with the most reactive metal at the top.
- ore: A rock that contains metals or metal compounds. Metal can be extracted from its ore.
Common Mistakes To Avoid
- Understanding displacement reactions can be challenging as many pupils think the product has moved from somewhere else rather than being produced during the chemical reaction.
3 Quick Questions (With Answers)
1. Explain the scientific idea in this lesson using two key points.
A more reactive metal will displace another that is less reactive from its salt, in solution. In a displacement reaction magnesium displaces copper from copper sulfate(aq) to form magnesium sulfate (aq) and copper.
2. Define this scientific word and use it in context. 'displacement reaction'
A displacement reaction occurs when a more reactive element takes the place of a less reactive element in a compound. Include the word in a full scientific explanation, not as a single label.
3. Correct this common scientific misunderstanding.
Mistake: Understanding displacement reactions can be challenging as many pupils think the product has moved from somewhere else rather than being produced during the chemical reaction. Correction: Focus on explaining the macroscopic observations in a displacement reaction in terms of chemical change. Then move on to apply the ideas to the reactivity of the metal.
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