In displacement reactions, a more reactive element replaces / displaces a less reaction element / metal from its compound.
The Reactivity Series.
(From most reactive to least reactive)
Potassium
Sodium
Lithium
Calcium
Magnesium
Aluminium
CARBON
Zinc
Iron
Tin
Lead
HYDROGEN
Copper
Silver
Gold
Platinum
Example when magnesium reacts with copper oxide, magnesium (more reactive metal) will displace copper (less reactive metal) from its compound.
The example above shows the following reactions taking place all at once:
1. Displacement reaction
2. Oxidation (gain of oxygen or loss of electrons).
3. Reduction (loss of oxygen or gain of electrons).
4. Redox reaction (both reduction (RED) and oxidation (OX) are happening at the same time).
Question
Explain why magnesium is more reactive than copper [1].
This is because magnesium losses electrons more easily (to form positive ions).
GCSE SCIENCE 